Great news for patients with Mycosis Fungoides

 

Lymphoma Australia is excited to let you know that eligible patients with Mycosis Fungoides – a type of cutaneous (skin) T-cell lymphoma now have another treatment option. As of November 1st, 2024, LEDAGA® gel is available on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This is a huge step forward for adults with Mycosis Fungoides. The active ingredient of this topical treatment is Chlormethine Hydrochloride, which is an alkylating agent. This means it’s a type of chemotherapy in a gel form and is applied directly to the affected skin.

Having this treatment listed on the PBS provides a more affordable and convenient option for eligible patients to manage their condition.

To qualify for this treatment, patients must meet certain criteria:

  • the disease should be at an early stage (IA, IB, or IIA), confirmed by a biopsy
  • affect only a limited body surface area (up to 25%)
  • patient must be over the age of 18.

 

Only dermatologists or hematologists can prescribe it, with approvals allowing for up to four weeks of treatment per prescription.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with LEDAGA’s® prescribing details, including proper use and precautions. More information can be found in the product’s official documentation. This is a promising development for improving care and access for those living with MF-CTCL.

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Please note: Lymphoma Australia staff are only able to reply to emails sent in English language.

For people living in Australia, we can offer a phone translation service. Have your nurse or English speaking relative call us to arrange this.

Useful Definitions

  • Refractory: This means the lymphoma does not get better with treatment. The treatment didn’t work as hoped.
  • Relapsed: This means the lymphoma came back after being gone for a while after treatment.
  • 2nd line treatment: This is the second treatment you get if the first one didn’t work (refractory) or if the lymphoma comes back (relapse).
  • 3rd line treatment: This is the third treatment you get if the second one didn’t work or the lymphoma comes back again.
  • Approved: Available in Australia and listed by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA).
  • Funded: Costs are covered for Australian citizens. This means if you have a Medicare card, you shouldn’t have to pay for the treatment.[WO7]

You need healthy T-cells to make CAR T-cells. For this reason, CAR T-cell therapy cannot be used if you have a T-cell lymphoma – yet.

For more information on CAR T-cells and T-cell lymphoma click here. 

Special Note: Although your T-cells are removed from your blood for CAR T-cell therapy, most of our T-cells live outside of our blood – in our lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and other organs.