Photopheresis and autoimmune diseases.
Although several case reports and case series suggest efficacy for photopheresis in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, few controlled studies have been conducted to test this hypothesis. After a decade of interest, multiple case reports, open trials, and one controlled study, the role of photopheresis in autoimmune disease remains to be established. Controlled multi-center trials in rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and scleroderma may be costly but are clearly necessary for proper evaluation of this therapy.
Mayes
M D
MD
Division of Rheumatology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. mmayes@oncgate.roc.wayne.edu
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006801:Humans; D017893:Photopheresis