title: Photopheresis--extracorporeal irradiation of 8-MOP containing blood--a new therapeutic modality.
abstract: In the course of the last four years our group has had experience with the development of an exciting new concept for the treatment of the exfoliative erythrodermic form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), leukemic form, as well as other T cell mediated diseases: extracorporeal photopheresis (EP). In our first experience with this new therapeutic approach, clinical response was observed in 6 of the 7 patients studied. Skin pathology improved significantly so that 5 of 7 patients were able to resume their normal daily activities. Laboratory response was significant in all 7 as measured by a decrease in abnormal T lymphocytes. In spite of an individually adjusted maintenance therapy no significant side effects have been observed. Our initial observations with this new and apparently safe approach for treatment of CTCL and other T cell mediated diseases (e.g. pemphigus vulgaris) suggest that further more extensive clinical trials as well as research into the basic underlying mechanisms involved are warranted.
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011701:PUVA Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D008730:Methoxsalen