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Photopheresis: Advances and Use in Systemic Sclerosis

  • Scleroderma (J Varga, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (photopheresis, ECP) is a cell-based immunomodulatory treatment that separates leukocytes from peripheral blood, exposes them to a photosensitizing agent followed by ultraviolet A light, and then reinfuses them back into the patient. ECP has been found to be effective for graft versus host disease, transplant rejection, and various autoimmune diseases. The mechanism is not well understood but studies have shown clinical benefit in the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This review examines the ECP technique, advances in our knowledge of its mechanism, and the data supporting its use in SSc-like fibrosing diseases and in SSc itself.

Recent Findings

Multiple lines of evidence support ECP use in SSc. ECP generates apoptotic cells and dendritic cells, induces production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increases regulatory T cell numbers. Clinical studies have generally demonstrated improvement, especially the skin, in SSc patients receiving ECP.

Summary

ECP may be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of SSc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Xiaolong Alan Zhou & Jaehyuk Choi

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jaehyuk Choi

  3. Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jaehyuk Choi

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  1. Xiaolong Alan Zhou
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Zhou, X.A., Choi, J. Photopheresis: Advances and Use in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 19, 31 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0662-8

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