Background : Phototherapy has been a mainstay of treatment of early stages (Ia-IIa) of mycosis fungoides (MF). Despite this, there is no internationally standardized phototherapy regimen schedule for MF. Efficacy of maintenance therapy is poorly evaluated especially in patients with dark phototype (IV-VI). Methods : Thirty patients with early stage MF treated with PUVA therapy and narrowband UVB therapy from January 2004 to January 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival were assessed in patients who received maintenance phase and in those who underwent follow-up. Results : Seventeen patients had patch stage disease while 16 patients had plaque stage disease. Most of the patients (22, 73%) had dark phototype. Nineteen patients received NB-UVB therapy, while 11 patients received PUVA. Mean follow-up period was 36,1 + 13 months. There was no significant association between the recurrence rate and recurrence free survival in patients who received maintenance phase and those who underwent follow-up. Conclusions: Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with early stage MF. Evidence supporting the use of maintenance phase for the treatment of early stages MF is lacking.

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