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Extracorporeal photopheresis technical aspects.
1EFS Nord de France, 21 Rue Camille Guérin, 59012 Lille Cedex, France. francois.schooneman@efs.sante.fr
Summary
Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) uses 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat diseases. This review analyzes ECP techniques, focusing on system evolution and future standardization needs for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Photomedicine
- Immunomodulation
- Dermatology
Background:
- Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a well-established monotherapy for various conditions, developed in 1987.
- The procedure involves treating 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) loaded lymphocytes with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation outside the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare different extracorporeal photochemotherapy techniques.
- To discuss the evolution of ECP systems and identify areas for future standardization.
Main Methods:
- Review of technical, biological, and hematological data from three ECP techniques: UVAR system, XTS apparatus, and the two-step method (continuous blood cell separator + UV-MATIC irradiator).
Main Results:
- The UVAR system was the initial design; it has been succeeded by the automated XTS apparatus.
- An alternative method involves separate cell collection and irradiation steps, utilizing a blood cell separator and a UV-MATIC irradiator.
- Analysis of technical, biological, and hematological parameters across these methods.
Conclusions:
- Future research should focus on defining optimal UVA energy and 8-MOP concentrations.
- Standardization of the ECP process, including the therapeutic dose of irradiated cells, is crucial for consistent clinical outcomes.