Extracorporeal photopheresis
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a type of photodynamic therapy in which blood is treated with a photosensitizing agent and subsequently irradiated with specific wavelengths of light to kill targeted cells. It is primarily used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and organ transplant rejection.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The ECP procedure involves the removal of blood from the patient's body, which is then separated into its individual components. The white blood cells are treated with a photosensitizing agent, usually methoxsalen, and then exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This process activates the methoxsalen, which then binds to the DNA of the white blood cells, causing cell death. The treated blood is then returned to the patient's body.
Uses[edit | edit source]
ECP is primarily used in the treatment of CTCL, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the skin. It is also used in the treatment of GVHD, a complication that can occur after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, and in the prevention of organ transplant rejection.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of ECP include fatigue, headache, and low blood pressure. Rare but serious side effects can include infection, allergic reactions, and damage to the veins.
Research[edit | edit source]
Research is ongoing into the use of ECP in the treatment of other conditions, including autoimmune diseases and other types of cancer.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Extracorporeal photopheresis Resources | ||
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