Mycosis fungoides is a type of cancer that majorly affects the white blood cells, leading to the cancerous growth of T lymphocytes in the body. Normally functioning white blood cells protect the body from external pathogens. In this type of cancer, these cells behave abnormally and begin to attack the skin. This type of cancer is quite rare and is usually observed in people over 58 years of age.
Foods to avoid
When dealing with mycosis fungoides, it is important to avoid foods that contain certain active ingredients that may trigger chemical interactions, aggravating cancer.
Bell pepper
Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants such as Maltol, Capsaicin, and Solasodine. These antioxidants are active chemicals that can interfere with the chemical reactions caused by Romidepsin, which is a common treatment option for mycosis fungoides. As a result of such interactions, a different biochemical pathway called MYC gets triggered, interrupting the action of Romidepsin. Thus, it is better to avoid eating bell peppers when undergoing treatment for mycosis fungoides.
Processed meat
Processed meat contains many nitrates and nitrites that help preserve the meat for longer periods of time. These chemicals are responsible for curing the meat and also prevent bacteria from growing over time. However, these nitrites and nitrates cause a lot of harm and increase the risk of stomach, esophagus, and pancreatic cancers. If a person is already suffering from mycosis fungoides, it is best to avoid consuming processed meats.
Alcohol
Alcohol contains a large number of toxins that are usually eliminated by the liver. However, if consumed in large proportions, alcohol has the potential to increase the number of toxins in the body and trigger the growth of cancer in the liver, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and breast.
Foods to eat
There are certain foods that can protect the body against the growth of cancer cells and can also help in treating mycosis fungoides.
Tomato
Tomatoes and cucumber contain antioxidants and active ingredients such as lupeol, lutein, and citric acid. These foods positively interact with the medication that’s taken for treating mycosis fungoides. They interact with Romidepsin to decrease the receptors that trigger a specific biological pathway. This ultimately increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
Brussel sprouts
Brussel sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli offer a lot of benefits when consumed on a regular basis. These foods are rich in fibers and complex carbohydrates that ultimately keep our gut healthy and disease-free. Moreover, it has been observed that Brussel sprouts contain certain compounds that block aggressive enzymes that are normally produced by cancer cells. Thus, by blocking such enzymes, Brussel sprouts help in restricting the growth of the tumor and prevent cancer from spreading.
Avocados
Our body needs essential fatty acids to protect from external pathogens and to repair any damage caused within the body. Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that must be derived from our food since they are not synthesized in the body. Other foods that contain such fatty acids are nuts like almonds, walnuts as well as fatty fish like salmon and sardines. These foods are also rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants that further protect the body from damage caused by cancer cells.
Medications for treating mycosis fungoides
Among other forms of treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy, certain medications and drugs are also quite commonly recommended. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for mycosis fungoides are as follows.
Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide is a drug similar to thalidomide and acts as an immunomodulating agent. Angiogenesis is used to treat different types of lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, as well as multiple myeloma. This drug helps the immune system in killing abnormal blood cells or cancer cells and also prevents the growth of new blood vessels that would supply blood to tumors and growing cancer cells. This medication can either be used on its own or in combination with other drugs.
Romidepsin
Romidepsin is a type of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which is commonly prescribed for treating diseases like mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. This drug is usually prescribed as an alternative treatment when a type of systemic therapy has already been used to treat this type of cancer. This drug is used to block certain enzymes that participate in the process of cell division, preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. This drug is a form of depsipeptide and is also known as Istodax.
Bexarotene
Bexarotene is a type of retinoid drug that is used for treating skin-related problems and symptoms that are observed in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and mycosis fungoides. In such cancers, the cancerous cells often attack skin cells and cause a wide variety of difficulties. Retinoid drugs such as bexarotene work against cancer cells by binding to retinoid X receptors, activating them. These proteins ultimately stop the growth of cancer cells and kill the already existing ones.
Topical corticosteroids
These corticosteroids are available in the form of lotions, creams, and ointments and are used to treat redness and inflammation on the skin observed in mycosis fungoides. Such corticosteroids are quite commonly used in treating the symptoms observed in lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias cancer.