Combining a topical treatment with radiation for skin lymphoma

Combining Topical Imiquimod With Local Radiotherapy for Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides

Early Phase 1 Interventional Northwestern University · NCT05838599

This study is testing if using a skin cream along with radiation can help patients with a type of skin lymphoma that hasn't improved with regular treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05838599 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the combination of topical imiquimod and local radiotherapy for treating mycosis fungoides, a common form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Patients will receive imiquimod for one week to enhance their immune response before undergoing radiation therapy. The goal is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined approach in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The study focuses on patients with specific stages of the disease and multiple lesions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-90 with confirmed stage IA-IIB mycosis fungoides who have failed at least one standard therapy.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing systemic or topical CTCL therapy or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective option for patients with mycosis fungoides who have not responded to previous therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy have shown promise in other cancers, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must have confirmed stage IA-IIB mycosis fungoides.
* Patients must be 18-90 years of age.
* Patients must have failed at least one standard therapy for MF.
* Patients must have active, but stable disease for \>6 months.
* Patients must have 4 or more discrete MF lesions with at least 2 of them with minimum combined surface area of \>50cm2.
* POCBP must have a negative pregnancy test prior to registration on study.
* Patients must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are on current systemic or topical CTCL therapy, unless stable on the treatment for \>6 months.
* Patients who have received antibiotic therapy within 4 weeks of study enrollment.
* Patients who are pregnant or nursing. Pregnant people are excluded from this study because IMQ is an agent with potential for teratogenic or abortifacient effects. Because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the gestational parent with IMQ, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the parent is treated with IMQ.
* Patients with psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mycosis Fungoides
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.