Curr Pediatr Rev 2017 Jun 14. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. United States.

Background: Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a significant complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the pediatric population. The most common clinical manifestation of GVHD is in the skin. This article will present a review of key concepts related to pediatric cutaneous GVHD, including pathophysiology, clinical epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Read More

Br J Nurs 2017 Jun;26(12):S16-S22

Consultant Haematologist, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) patients are at high risk of compromised skin integrity, and of developing pressure ulcers, which may bleed and/or become infected. The Rotherham Outpatient Screening Tool (ROST) was adapted from the Waterlow score and the Malnutrition Universial Screening Tool (MUST) to suit patients attending an outpatient unit for photopheresis. A review of the screening tool highlighted patients at a higher risk of developing pressure damage during treatment and therefore the unit was able to reduce this risk by the provision of a pressure-relieving cushion (Repose). Read More

J Clin Apher 2017 Jun 13. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Photopheresis Unit, Rotherham NHS Trust, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) is a cellular immunotherapy frequently used for steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD (cGVHD), response to ECP is associated with survival benefit. The UVAR-XTS(TM) system and the more recently developed CELLEX(TM) device (both Therakos(TM) ) are the mainstay for ECP-delivery in the UK and US. Read More

Leuk Lymphoma 2017 Jun 7:1-9. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

f Blood Bank Center , Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud , Pierre Benite , France.

We performed a prospective multicenter phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) in adult patients with hematological malignancies early after RIC allo-HSCT on day 21 twice per week during the first two weeks and then once per week for the next four weeks for a total of eight ECP courses. A total of 20 patients were included; 10 were males, median age was 60 years. All patients engrafted, 17 (85%) received the total eight ECP courses. Read More

Transfus Clin Biol 2017 May 31. Epub 2017 May 31.

Department of Hematology & BMT Unit, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Cebeci Hospital, 06590 Ankara, Turkey.

Objectives: Extracorporeal photo-chemotherapy (ECP, photopheresis) is an approved treatment modality for mycosis fungoides (MF). Our aim is to present our ECP data for MF.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 50 MF patients who received ECP for clinical activity, toxicity, and response and outcome rates, and we compared these with combination therapies. Read More

J Clin Apher 2017 Jun 2. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.

Acta Derm Venereol 2017 May 17. Epub 2017 May 17.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, DE-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.

Swiss Med Wkly 2017 May 10;147:w14429. Epub 2017 May 10.

Division of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been reported to be safe and the ultimate treatment option in lung transplant recipients with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), the main overall cause of mortality in lung transplant recipients. However, ECP is not reimbursed in selected health jurisdictions, and reimbursement by health insurance providers is a major issue. In Switzerland, ECP is not recognised by the health authorities as a therapy option for CLAD; thus by the end of 2014, ECP had to be stopped in the majority of adult lung transplant recipients cared for at the University Hospital Zurich because of lack of continuous funding. Read More

Curr Rheumatol Rep 2017 Jun;19(6):31

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

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). Read More

Transplant Proc 2017 May;49(4):695-698

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.

Background: Lung transplantation (LT) is only therapeutic option for patients affected by chronic respiratory failure. Chronic rejection, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), is still the main cause of death and the most important factor that influences post-transplantation quality of life. Currently available therapies have not been proven to result in significant benefit in the prevention or treatment of BOS. Read More

J Clin Apher 2017 Apr 28. Epub 2017 Apr 28.

Hematology department, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris, 75013, France.

Plerixafor (Mozobil) in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has shown to increase mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) as compared to G-CSF alone in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). However, up to 25% of patients treated with G-CSF alone still fail mobilization. Adding plerixafor to poor mobilizers allows to rescue these patients from mobilization failure and to reduce the number of apheresis sessions. Read More

J Heart Lung Transplant 2017 Mar 24. Epub 2017 Mar 24.

Lung Transplant Program, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address:

Background: Survival after lung transplantation is limited by chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Immunomodulatory therapies such as extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) and alemtuzumab (AL) have been described for refractory CLAD, but comparative outcomes are not well defined.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed spirometric values and clinical outcomes after therapy with ECP, AL, or no treatment (NT) in patients with CLAD who underwent transplant between January 2005 and December 2014. Read More

J Clin Apher 2017 Apr 17. Epub 2017 Apr 17.

ProcEx Solutions Ltd., Wales, United Kingdom.

Introduction: The Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital Hemobiotherapy Department, Paris, France, has been providing extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) since November 2011, and started using the Therakos(®) CELLEX(®) fully integrated system in 2012. This report summarizes our single-center experience of transitioning from the use of multi-step ECP procedures to the fully integrated ECP system, considering the capacity and cost implications.

Materials And Methods: The total number of ECP procedures performed 2011-2015 was derived from department records. Read More

Br J Nurs 2017 Apr;26(7):400-404

Consultant Haematologist, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

The prompt assessment of patients as fit for photopheresis is imperative to ensure delivery of a safe and efficient service. Before January 2015 the photopheresis unit was reliant on patients contacting the department directly to cancel their appointment if they were unwell or were suffering from any pre-defined exclusion criteria. Methods to reduce the number of cancellations and patients arriving unwell were therefore examined. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2017 Apr 22;56(2):118-122. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

International Consultancy in Blood Components Quality/Safety, Improvement, Audit/Inspection & DDR Strategies, London, UK. Electronic address:

One of the biggest challenges in evaluating available literature on extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) practices in pediatric patients is the marked heterogeneity of approaches to the patient evaluation, procedural aspects and apheresis product analysis. These issues are most relevant in ECP management in children with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Extracorporeal photopheresis in pediatric patients is considered relatively safe with few adverse effects reported from retrospective or observational studies. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2017 Apr 6. Epub 2017 Apr 6.

Department of Clinical Hematology, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42171 St, Priest en Jarez, France.

Purpose: Long-term catheters are often necessary for outpatient care after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), However, there is paucity of data on the use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in post-HSCT setting.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated the systematic use of PICC in 37 consecutive patients returning home after HSCT.

Results: In 6 out of 37 patients, the PICC was exclusively used for weekly blood controls. Read More

ACG Case Rep J 2017 29;4:e48. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

A 48-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma underwent liver transplantation. His course was complicated by fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and pancytopenia. He developed a diffuse erythematous rash, which progressed to erythroderma. Read More

Front Immunol 2017 21;8:328. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

Medical School, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is used to treat increasing numbers of malignant and non-malignant disorders. Despite significant advances in improved human leukocyte antigens-typing techniques, less toxic conditioning regimens and better supportive care, resulting in improved clinical outcomes, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) continues to be a major obstacle and, although it principally involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and liver, the thymus is also a primary target. An important aim following HSCT is to achieve complete and durable immunoreconstitution with a diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire to recognize a broad range of pathogens providing adequate long-term adaptive T-lymphocyte immunity, essential to reduce the risk of infection, disease relapse, and secondary malignancies. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2017 Apr 22;56(2):263-267. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

University Health Network, Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, Practice Based Education, Collaborative Academic Practice, Apheresis and Photopheresis; University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

There is little published in regards to apheresis education and curriculum for nursing. As more importance is placed on education, competency and skills for apheresis through accreditation processes, institutions are left to determine the educational requirements needed for nursing. Working with limited resources, one center has designed a comprehensive apheresis curriculum program that encompasses skills and theory for the novice to experienced learner. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2017 May 24;30(3). Epub 2017 Mar 24.

Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1452, Pickens 411, Houston, Texas.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for nearly 30 years in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, current clinical practice largely reserves ECP for patients with late-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome or for those who are refractory to other therapies. We briefly describe a 48-year-old male who experienced long-term complete remission of his patch MF disease with ECP, and we suggest a role for ECP in the treatment of early-stage MF given evidence of its efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Read More

J Clin Apher 2017 Mar 17. Epub 2017 Mar 17.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

In adults, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is widely utilized for a variety of indications, most commonly cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), solid organ transplant rejection, and other autoimmune and T-cell-mediated disorders. In pediatric patients, the majority of case series and reports have focused on its use in the management of acute and chronic GVHD. Currently utilized ECP technologies were designed for adult patients and there are several challenges in adapting these technologies for use in children. Read More

Vox Sang 2017 May 7;112(4):379-387. Epub 2017 Mar 7.

Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an established treatment for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Various haematocrit thresholds have been used to trigger red blood cells transfusion prior to ECP. Moderate-to-severe GVHD is frequently complicated by anaemia; the safety and collection efficiency with a lower haematocrit for ECP is unknown. Read More

Br J Haematol 2017 Apr 21;177(2):287-310. Epub 2017 Feb 21.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for over 35 years in the treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and over 20 years for chronic and acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and solid organ transplant rejection. ECP for CTCL and GvHD is available at specialised centres across the UK. The lack of prospective randomised trials in ECP led to the development of UK Consensus Statements for patient selection, treatment schedules, monitoring protocols and patient assessment criteria for ECP. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2017 Feb 13;56(1):17-19. Epub 2017 Jan 13.

Immunohaematology and Transfusion Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Italy. Electronic address:

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the main manifestation of pulmonary GVHD. It has often a dramatic and fast evolution and current treatment (change or increase in immunosuppression, macrolides and inhaled therapy) is poor with high mortality rates. In this scenario, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) bursts as a new immunomodulatory approach with a different philosophical purpose. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2017 Feb 29;56(1):75-81. Epub 2016 Dec 29.

Transfusion Medicine, Department of Padua, University-Hospital of Padua, and Italian Society of Apheresis and Cell Manipulation (SIDEM), Italy. Electronic address:

Data collection on apheresis activities in Italy throughout 2015 including techniques, clinical indications and adverse effects was performed by means of a SidEM model questionnaire (aggregate data). These data provided by 67 Apheresis Units from 17 Italian regions, albeit rough, are sufficiently informative, mainly in comparison with previous surveys on these statistics. PEx has been the most frequent technique for plasma removal/treatment (11787 procedures) followed by LDL-apheresis (927 procedures). Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2017 May 10;44(5):462-466. Epub 2017 Feb 10.

Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Loss of CD26 surface expression on the circulating malignant T-cell is the most widely accepted diagnostic marker in patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL cases with reemergence of CD7 and/or CD26 surface expression are unusual and of uncertain prognosis. We report the case of an erythrodermic leukemic mycosis fungoides patient who had achieved temporary remission after several months on multimodality immunotherapy and extracorporeal photopheresis, but who relapsed with aggressive disease phenotypically characterized by CD4+ T-cells with high CD26 expression. Read More

Photochem Photobiol Sci 2017 Feb;16(2):193-200

Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an efficient method to treat various autoimmune diseases, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and graft-versus-host disease. It is based on the ex vivo inactivation of lymphocytes by 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP)/UV light treatment. Despite the adhesive, lipophilic nature of 8-MOP, no quality control is established for the ECP procedure. Read More

J Clin Apher 2016 Nov 28. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with high morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective therapy for treating medication-refractory GVHD, however, there is scant evidence of whether ECP can be safely performed in patients weighing less than 15 kg. Here, we report the implementation of a successful protocol to perform ECP in a 21-month-old, 10. Read More

Transplantation 2016 Dec;100(12):e147-e155

1 Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy. 2 Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Unit, AO Spedali Cvili, Brescia, Italy. 3 SODc Terapia Cellulare e Medicina Trasfusionale, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy. 4 Divisione di Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. 5 SC Ematologia, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy. 6 Clinica Ematologica e Unità di terapie Cellulari, DISM, Università di Udine, Italy. 7 Centro di Ricerca Emato-oncologica AIL (CREA) Brescia, AO Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy. 8 Unità di Cellule Staminali, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milano, Italy. 9 Medicina Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Italy. 10 UO di Emotrasfusione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. 11 Bone Marrow Transplant Unit SODc Ematologia, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is considered a valid second-line treatment for acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD).

Methods: Ninety-four patients with acute GVHD (aGVHD) (n = 45) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) (n = 49), retrospectively recruited in 6 Italian centers, were submitted to ECP for second-line treatment. At the time of ECP, 22 (49%) and 23 (51%) of 45 patients with aGHVD were nonresponsive and in partial remission (PR) after steroids, respectively, and all the 49 patients with cGVHD were steroid refractory. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2016 Oct;15(10):1212-1216

Introduction: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for the treatment of advanced stage or treatment refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) since 1987, and more recently has also been shown to be of benefit for earlier stage resistant CTCL. Complete response rates in prior studies of ECP in early CTCL have ranged from 0% to 40%.

Methods: We reviewed electronic medical records of all CTCL patients seen in the University of Kansas Cancer Center between June 2007 and May 2011. Read More

J Biol Chem 2016 Nov 29;291(47):24364-24376. Epub 2016 Sep 29.

From the Transfusion Research Center, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, 9000 Ghent, Belgium,

Psoralen and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) are used to kill pathogens in blood products and as a treatment of aberrant cell proliferation in dermatitis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and graft-versus-host disease. DNA damage is well described, but the direct effects of PUVA on cell signal transduction are poorly understood. Because platelets are anucleate and contain archetypal signal transduction machinery, they are ideally suited to address this. Read More

Am J Hematol 2016 Dec;91(12):E491-E495

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), with few exceptions, remain incurable and treatment is largely palliative. We performed a retrospective analysis of systemic treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with MF/SS. We identified 223 patients with MF/SS evaluated at a single institution from 1997 to 2013. Read More

Bone Marrow Transplant 2017 Jan 19;52(1):167-170. Epub 2016 Sep 19.

Department of Cell Therapy, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.

Br J Nurs 2016 Sep;25(16):917-21

Consultant in Photopheresis, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

The photopheresis unit where the authors work has seen an increased demand both locally and as an outreach service. A Lean assessment of the unit was undertaken to improve processing time and productivity, which in turn would improve the availability of treatment and improve patient care. The assessment indicated that there were excellent nursing standards and patient care; however, patient waiting times and treatment times were prolonged in comparison with other units. Read More

Transfusion 2016 Dec 9;56(12):3081-3085. Epub 2016 Sep 9.

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical Park Antalya Hospital, Bahçeşehir University.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by an autoimmune defect in the neuromuscular junction. In most patients, the autoimmune attack is mediated by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) on the postsynaptic membrane. Deficient immunoregulation, including regulatory T cells, is consistently observed. Read More

Transplantation 2016 Sep 8. Epub 2016 Sep 8.

1 Chair of Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Dept of Clincial and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy 2 Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Unit, AO Spedali Cvili, Brescia, Italy 3 SODc Terapia Cellulare e Medicina Trasfusionale, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy 4 Divisione di Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy 5 SC Ematologia, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy 6 Clinica Ematologica e Unità di terapie Cellulari, DISM, Università di Udine, Italy 7 Centro di Ricerca Emato-oncologica AIL (CREA) Brescia, AO Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy 8 Unità di Cellule Staminali, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milano, Italy 9 Medicina Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Italy 10 UO di Emotrasfusione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy 11 Bone Marrow Transplant Unit SODc Ematologia, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is considered a valid second-line treatment for acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD).

Methods: Ninety-four patients with aGVHD (n=45) and cGVHD (n=49), retrospectively recruited in 6 Italian Centers, were submitted to ECP for second-line treatment. At the time of ECP, 22 (49%) and 23 (51%) out of 45 patients with aGHVD were non responsive (NR) and in partial remission (PR) after steroids, respectively, and all the 49 patients with cGVHD were steroid refractory. Read More

PLoS One 2016 1;11(9):e0162078. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.

This work investigates X-PACT (X-ray Psoralen Activated Cancer Therapy): a new approach for the treatment of solid cancer. X-PACT utilizes psoralen, a potent anti-cancer therapeutic with current application to proliferative disease and extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) of cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma. An immunogenic role for light-activated psoralen has been reported, contributing to long-term clinical responses. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2016 Dec 12;6(4):519-553. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.

Systemic and localized scleroderma are difficult to manage diseases with no accepted gold standard of therapy to date. Phototherapeutic modalities for scleroderma show promise. A PubMed search of information on phototherapy for scleroderma was conducted. Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2016 Dec 2;143(12):836-840. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Service de dermatologie, CHU Larrey-Toulouse, 24, chemin de Pouvourville, 31400 Toulouse, France.

Background: Pansclerotic morphea is a poorly described but extremely debilitating variant of localized scleroderma. We report a case with a rapidly fatal outcome in an 11-year-old girl.

Patients And Methods: An 11-year-old girl with a 2-year history of morphea presented at our institution in April 2012. Read More

J Clin Apher 2016 Jul 31. Epub 2016 Jul 31.

Department of Oncohematology, Cell Therapy Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Meyer, AOU Meyer, Florence, Italy.

The GvHD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to immunosuppressive therapy. Although ECP is used since 1990s, the mechanism of action has not yet been completely clarified. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2016 Jul 28;10:209. Epub 2016 Jul 28.

Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas, USA.

Background: Patients who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation and subsequent radiation therapy uncommonly develop graft-versus-host disease within the irradiated area. We quantified the incidence of this complication, which is a novel contribution to the field. From 2010 to 2014, 1849 patients underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and 41 (2 %) received radiation therapy afterward. Read More

Transfusion 2016 Oct 26;56(10):2510-2519. Epub 2016 Jul 26.

Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a therapeutic technique that combines leukapheresis and ultraviolet (UV)A irradiation of the leukapheresate after 8-methoxypsoralen treatment with subsequent retransfusion. It can be achieved with a single device (online) or by combining an apheresis machine with a separate UVA light source (offline). The comparability of both established methods is unknown. Read More

J Clin Apher 2016 Jul 21. Epub 2016 Jul 21.

Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL.

Background: Although many apheresis centers offer extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), little is known about current treatment practices.

Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to assess ECP practice internationally.

Results: Of 251 responses, 137 met criteria for analysis. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2016 May-Jun;91(3):336-43

"Dr. José E. Gonzalez" University Hospital of the ''Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León'' Medical School - Nuevo León, Mexico.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCT) associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The earliest and most common manifestation is cutaneous graft-versus-host disease. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical features, prevention and treatment of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017 Feb 19;31(2):221-235. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Jena, Germany.

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is an uncommon non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving skin and extracutaneous tissues. The lesions are usually asymptomatic and commonly appear in the periorbital area. Paraproteinemia is closely associated with NXG and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Read More

F1000Res 2016 27;5. Epub 2016 Jun 27.

Primary Immunodeficiency Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) continues to be a major obstacle to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thymic damage secondary to aGvHD along with corticosteroids and other non-selective T lymphocyte-suppressive agents used in the treatment of aGvHD concurrently impair thymopoiesis and negatively impact on immunoreconstitution of the adaptive immune compartment and ultimately adversely affect clinical outcome. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an alternative therapeutic strategy that appears to act in an immunomodulatory fashion, potentially involving regulatory T lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Read More

J Clin Apher 2016 Jun;31(3):149-62

Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2016 Aug 6;55(1):146-52. Epub 2016 Jun 6.

Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520. Electronic address:

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), or photopheresis, is distinguished by the specificity of the clinically potent immunologic reactions it initiates or regulates. The selectivity of ECP-induced immunoprotection for the malignant clone in cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), and for the pathogenic clones in allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), has suggested a central mechanistic role for dendritic antigen presenting cells (DC). Discovery of ECP's induction of monocyte-derived DC, via monocyte signaling by ECP-plate activated platelets, and the absolute dependency of experimental ECP on such induced DC, supports that premise. Read More

Bioorg Med Chem 2016 Sep 2;24(17):3918-31. Epub 2016 Jun 2.

Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States. Electronic address:

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used successfully in the treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), and other T cell-mediated disorders. Not all patients obtain a significant or durable response from ECP. The design of a selective photosensitizer that spares desirable lymphocytes while targeting malignant T cells may promote cytotoxic T cell responses and improve outcomes after ECP. Read More

Transfusion 2016 Aug 1;56(8):2078-84. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Immunohaematology and Transfusion Service, Apheresis and Cell Therapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective cell therapy employed in several diseases, including graft versus host disease (GVHD) and organ rejection. When ECP is performed using an off-line technique, mononuclear cell (MNC) collection by leukapheresis is necessary for further manipulation (addition of 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A irradiation before reinfusion to the patient). We report the results of the first crossover equivalence study on yield and purity of MNCs collected from patients undergoing ECP with two different automated systems: MNC and CMNC (working with intermittent and continuous-flow collection, respectively), released by Terumo BCT. Read More