Answers from the Experts: Q&A - June 2025

Do you have questions about cutaneous lymphoma and/or treatments? Our clinical Q&A's are a great way to learn more and empower yourself with knowledge from experts in their field. (For timestamps, click on "...more")

Clinical Panel
Brad Haverkos, MD, MPH, MS, University of Colorado Cancer Center
Theresa Pacheco, MD, UCHealth - Dermatology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus

Timestamps
01:21 How do I control the itching?
02:12 Are there any new treatments for Sezary or Peripheral T-cell lymphoma?
03:30 How frequently should I use light therapy and for how long?
05:35 I have MF, does this raise the risk factor for other types of cancer?
07:15 I have had MF for about 5 years. I have come to the conclusion that I have had an eruption after a major health event. Is this normal or common for those with MF or other forms of cutaneous lymphoma?
9:29 I have noticed that the patches in my sanctuary sites, groin and vulva, seem to improve during the summer months with no specific changes to the treatment I do with a handheld UVB wand or my full body treatments. My assumption is that a lesion will only improve by direct UV exposure. Are areas that are not exposed during full body treatment impacted anyway?
12:16 For Sezary patients, how do you know when you should seek immediate medical attention for something that might be related to the cancer?
14:38 How do treatments impact outcomes?
18:41 Would a child with early stage MF be a good candidate for UVB phototherapy? What are the benefits and risks?
20:28 What are the names of some mild cortisone creams for stage IB mycosis fungoides?
21:31 I have a great dermatologist, oncologist and radiology oncologist. Would you recommend contacting a hematologist in addition to my medical team?
22:18 When will I know if phototherapy is working? If all the patches still look the same?
24:33 Is it still clinically believed that follicular MF is a more aggressive variant? Or is that outdated based on new research?
25:45 I have stage IIB MF and have an appointment with radiologist oncologist. I'm also interested in phototherapy. Is it best to get a plan of radiation be questioning phototherapy again?
29:28 From your experience, are there supplements or lotions that can enhance the benefits of phototherapy?
30:34 Is lymphomatoid papulosis an immune disorder? And if so, why isn't there an emphasis on bolstering the patient's immune system?
32:49 I was diagnosed with stage IB MF. The diagnosis has been confirmed but it was noted that my disease expresses a gamma delta T site phenotype. Is that different from cutaneous gamma delta T-cell lymphoma?
34:35 Aside from monitoring stress and supporting the immune system, are there any other lifestyle recommendations you typically suggest to patients with MF, such as diet supplements or other supportive measures in addition to medical treatments?
37:46 If you are in early stages MF, how often would you suggest getting blood work done to check if the T-cell clones have spread and expanded in the blood?
39:48 What are the chances of having two different types of cutaneous lymphoma? Does it mean it is in transition?
43:01 I know that bleach baths can improved the skin, which I assume, is because it kills most bacteria on the skin. Temporarily both good and bad. Is there a way to repopulate the skin with good bacteria?
44:40 I have Sezary syndrome and the main two medications I'm hearing about are brentuximab and MOGA. What are the main differences in these medications or reasons why a clinician would one vs.. the other?
47:07 Why do long showers or swimming bring out red patches?
47:50 If you have hypopigmented MF, that's CD8+ T, are the malignant clones specific for melanocytes? Would one type of treatment work better for CD8+ vs CD4+?
49:39 Will the itching stop when using MOGA and will MOGA be life long?
51:31 Can I use natural sunlight on my inner groin and for how long?
52:31 I recently burned during phototherapy after taking a shower. Are there any other things to avoid?
53:33 How often do you see stage IB MF patients progress to more advanced stages? Is there anything that might help reduce the risk?
54:45 In your experience what percentage of patients get skin cancer after having multiple phototherapy treatments?