A Practical Method for Inline-To-Offline Conversion in Extracorporeal Photopheresis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cellular Therapy
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy using inline or offline systems.
• Offline ECP offers flexibility but requires dedicated UVA irradiators, which may be limited.
• Cryopreservation of ECP-treated cells is crucial for some clinical and research applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a practical hybrid ECP workflow adapting an inline system for offline capabilities.
• To enable larger blood volume processing, partial reinfusion, and cryopreservation of photoactivated mononuclear cells (MNCs).
• To expand flexibility for clinical programs and translational research without independent UVA irradiators.

Main Methods:

• Adapted the inline Amicus Blue Photopheresis System into an inline-to-offline workflow.
• Processed a fixed 200-mL MNC collection with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA irradiation.
• Reinfused 50 mL inline and aliquoted the remainder for offline cryopreservation.

Main Results:

• The hybrid approach enables larger total blood volume processing and partial reinfusion.
• Photoactivated MNCs can be cryopreserved offline using this method.
• Procedural safety, product integrity, and operational simplicity were preserved.

Conclusions:

• This hybrid ECP workflow integrates offline capabilities into an inline framework.
• It eliminates the need for a separate UVA irradiator for cryopreservation.
• The method enhances flexibility for clinical trials and translational research in ECP therapy.