[Extracorporeal photopheresis]

Extracorporeal photopheresis is a new therapeutic approach developed by Edelson et al.; it is conceptually designed for the management of diseases mediated by malignant lymphocyte pathology, such as cutaneous T-cell-lymphoma (CTCL), and other disorders mediated by aberrant lymphocyte function, e.g. autoimmune diseases. The treatment is described in this paper, and theories on the mechanisms of action are discussed. In addition, the indications for treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis are discussed.