Leukapheresis in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

In six patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), the effect of leukapheresis (LPH) on the disease and on various immunological and haematological parameters was investigated. Enriched mononuclear cells were removed by continuous centrifugation leukapheresis from the peripheral blood of the patients. A profound and longlasting effect was seen in one patient with the Sézary variant; a moderate response was seen in two other Sézary patients. No benefit was observed in two patients with more aggressive leukaemic disease, and one patient with plaque stage MF responded on two occasions. No limiting side effects were recognized and no consistent changes of immunological or haematological parameters were observed after LPH.