Extracorporeal photochemotherapy in the treatment of severe steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease: a pilot study

摘要: Extracorporeal exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to the photosensitizing agent 8-methoxypsoralen and UV-A radiation has been shown be effective in treatment selected diseases mediated by T cells, rejection after solid organ transplantation, chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We present 21 patients with a median age 38 years who developed steroid-refractory acute GVHD grades II IV stem cell grafting from sibling or unrelated donors were referred extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). Three months initiation ECP 60% achieved complete resolution manifestations. Complete responses obtained 100% grade II, 67% III, 12% GVHD. start cutaneous, liver, none gut involvement. Adverse events observed during included decrease counts early phase transplantation (SCT). Currently, 57% are alive at observation time 25 SCT. Probability survival 4 SCT is 91% response compared 11% not responding completely. Our findings suggest that an adjunct therapy for cutaneous liver However, involvement other therapeutic options warranted.