Extracorporeal photochemotherapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and other diseases

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy is an effective method for the treatment of CTCL. It is most effective in the erythrodermic stages of the disease but may also have a place in the treatment of more advanced disease. Phototherapy has also been used in the treatment of other T-cell-mediated diseases. Psoralen plus UVA are known to interact with cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids. The mechanism of action is not completely understood but there is suggestive evidence that cell membrane changes so caused can render the cell susceptible to immune surveillance and destruction.