Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy

Pp: 487-493 (7)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a complex therapy in which cells collected from patients are exposed to the effects of photosensitizing agents (specifically 8-methoxypsolaren) and ultraviolet Light-A. Its most common indication is advanced stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, this therapy has yielded successful results in other cutaneous and metabolic diseases like phemphigus vulgaris and autoimmune diabetes mellitus [1]. Although the cost represents a significant limitation, extracorporeal photochemotherapy should be considered in the aforementioned diseases in patients where other conventional therapies have failed or are contraindicated.

Keywords: Hematoporphyrin radiation, phototherapy, photochemotherapy, analytical, diagnostic and therapeutical techniques and equipment category, ultraviolet therapy, skin and connective tissue diseases, skin diseases, skin, dermis, epidermis.