Photopheresis--extracorporeal irradiation of 8-MOP containing blood--a new therapeutic modality.

In the course of the last four years our group has had experience with the development of an exciting new concept for the treatment of the exfoliative erythrodermic form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), leukemic form, as well as other T cell mediated diseases: extracorporeal photopheresis (EP). In our first experience with this new therapeutic approach, clinical response was observed in 6 of the 7 patients studied. Skin pathology improved significantly so that 5 of 7 patients were able to resume their normal daily activities. Laboratory response was significant in all 7 as measured by a decrease in abnormal T lymphocytes. In spite of an individually adjusted maintenance therapy no significant side effects have been observed. Our initial observations with this new and apparently safe approach for treatment of CTCL and other T cell mediated diseases (e.g. pemphigus vulgaris) suggest that further more extensive clinical trials as well as research into the basic underlying mechanisms involved are warranted.