Abstract
Background: Early stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and parapsoriasis are treated by phototherapy techniques. In this study, we aimed to assess treatment responses to narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapies in patients with MF and parapsoriasis in a comparative manner.
Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with early-stage MF and parapsoriasis who underwent phototherapy in Phototherapy Unit of our clinic between 2008 and 2018. In all groups, data regarding phototherapy were recorded and evaluated statistically.
Results: In this study, 127 patients including 46 patients with early-stage MF, 48 patients with small plaque psoriasis and 33 patients with large plaque psoriasis received phototherapy. PUVA therapy session rate was significantly higher in patients with MF while NB-UVB therapy rate was significantly higher in patients with SPP. Number and duration of sessions to achieve complete remission were significantly higher in patients with MF when compared to those with SPP while no significant correlation was found between MF and LPP. In addition, the number and duration of sessions to achieve complete remission were significantly higher in patients with LPP than those with SPP. When patients groups were assessed according to phototherapy type given, it was seen that the complete remission rate was significantly higher in MF patients received PUVA therapy than patients received NB-UVB therapy (p<0.05).
Conclusion: NB-UVB and PUVA doses to achieve complete remission in all patient groups were higher than those reported in the literature. In addition, PUVA therapy should be preferentially chosen in MF patients. In this study, we compared data regarding NB-UVB and PUVA in the treatment of early-stage MF, small and large plaque parapsoriasis, providing a perspective to clinical practice.

Key words: Phototherapy, mycosis fungoides, parapsoriasis, PUVA, NB-UVB