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Extracorporeal photochemotherapy for secondary chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
D P Besnier1, D Chabannes, J-M G Mussini
1Department of Nephrology, Nantes University Hospital, 44093 Nantes, France.
Summary
Intensive extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) offers only temporary benefits for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Disease progression resumes after treatment cessation, indicating limited long-term efficacy for this MS subtype.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Phototherapy
Background:
- Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is explored for immune-related conditions.
- Standard ECP protocols have not shown significant benefits in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an intensive ECP regimen in treating secondary chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Five patients with secondary progressive MS, free of immunosuppression, underwent intensive ECP.
- Treatment involved ex vivo addition of 8-MOP, UVA irradiation of mononuclear cells, and re-infusion.
- Patients were monitored for up to 6 months of treatment and 2 years post-treatment using established clinical scales.
Main Results:
- One of four completers showed clinical improvement; three remained stable for the initial 6 months.
- All patients experienced disease relapse or worsening after ECP discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Intensive ECP provides only transient modulation of disease activity in severe secondary progressive MS.
- A rebound effect or disease progression is observed after treatment cessation.