Narrowband (TL-01) ultraviolet B phototherapy for pruritus in polycythaemia vera

Background There are several reports of the efficacy of broadband ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy in the treatment of pruritus associated with polycythaemia vera. Objectives To evaluate whether narrowband (TL-01) UVB phototherapy is also effective in treating this condition. Methods Ten patients with pruritus associated with polycythaemia vera were treated with narrowband (TL-01) UVB phototherapy. The first irradiation dose was 2 3 of the minimal erythema dose; the treatment schedule consisted of three irradiation sessions per week, with dose increments of 10% each session for skin types I and II, and 15% for skin types III and IV. Results Patients reported a marked relief of symptoms after an average of six treatments (median cumulative dose 1851.52 mJ cm(-2), range 1180.4-2468.4). A complete remission of the pruritus occurred within 2-10 weeks of treatment (median cumulative dose 5371.46 mJ cm(-2), range 3271.2-7336.3) in eight of 10 patients. Two patients had only a partial and temporary relief of pruritus after two cycles of treatment and a cumulative dose of 3271.2 mJ cm(-2). Conclusions Narrowband UVB phototherapy is effective for treatment of pruritus associated with polycythaemia vera, and has the advantage of being less erythemogenic than broadband UVB.