Visible-light activated hypericin ointment for mycosis fungoides

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project uses a synthetic hypericin ointment you apply to affected skin and then expose to non-carcinogenic visible light to activate the drug and target cancerous T cells. Hypericin is taken up more by tumor cells in the skin, induces cell death, and is not absorbed systemically. Earlier Phase 1–3 trials, including a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled Phase 3, found this approach to be safe and beneficial when applied twice weekly for several weeks. The current work continues to explore this light-activated topical option to help control skin lesions and improve quality of life.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Kim, Ellen J — University of Pennsylvania
• Study coordinator: Kim, Ellen J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding how skin cancer-associated fibroblasts affect immune detection in early mycosis fungoides

  This grant investigates how certain skin cells in early mycosis fungoides might help the cancer hide from the immune system, with findings aiming to improve future patient care.

  NIH research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · Duarte, United States · NIH-11617656

• Microbiome clues to better radiation response in a rare skin lymphoma

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  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11391466

• Identifying a new marker for early diagnosis of a skin cancer called mycosis fungoides

  This study is looking at a specific marker in the skin cells of people with early-stage mycosis fungoides, a type of skin cancer, to help doctors find it more easily and provide better treatment for patients.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11009055

• Understanding how certain cells in skin tumors affect immune response in mycosis fungoides

  This study is looking at how certain cells in the skin, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, behave in patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides, a type of skin lymphoma, to help us understand how they might affect the disease and find new ways to treat it.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10948591

• Poteligeo (mogamulizumab) for adults with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome

  This project will try Poteligeo (mogamulizumab) in adults with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome who have had at least one prior systemic therapy to see how safe and effective it is in routine care in Korea.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. · Busan, Busan Metropolitan City and 5 other locations · NCT07132567

• Golidocitnib treatment for relapsed indolent T/NK-cell lymphomas

  This study is testing if a new oral medication called Golidocitnib can help people with relapsed indolent T/NK-cell lymphomas feel better after other treatments haven't worked.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China · Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality and 1 other locations · NCT06716658

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.