Extracorporeal photochemotherapy for the treatment of refractory Crohn’s disease

Extracorporeal photopheresis: Review of technical aspects

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is considered as an immune modulating therapy majorly targeting the T cells of the Immune system. ECP induces an anti-inflammatory condition with tolerogenic responses without inducing a global immunosuppression state which is a typical feature of other therapeutic options such as steroids. Clinical indication of ECP has grown over time since its initial applications. Our review discusses the technical aspects of the concept of photopheresis with the available methods for its clinical applications.

Extracorporeal photopheresis as a therapy for autoimmune diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases (AID) have multiorgan, heterogeneous clinical presentations and are characterized by dysregulation of the immune system, immunodeficiency, irreversible organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality. Preventing or decreasing flares of AID correlate with durable disease control, significant reduction of inflammation and prevention of disability or therapy-related toxicity. There is an urgent need for better treatment of severe, therapy-refractory AID. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a cell-based immunomodulatory treatment which has been extensively used in variety of autoimmune disorders for the last two decades. ECP treatment is FDA approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with particularly promising results seen in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Prolonged therapy is safe, well tolerated and allows reduction of systemic immunosuppression in therapy-refractory patients. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggest that ECP mechanism of action is characterized by apoptosis and phagocytosis of activated cells by antigen-presenting cells (APC), secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and stimulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The focus of this paper is to review the current evidence of ECP use in the treatment of AID. Here, we summarize the experience of nine major AID from 65 published reports. The key findings demonstrate substantial evidence of ECP feasibility, safety and in some AID also promising efficacy. However, the role of ECP in AID therapy is not established as most published studies are retrospective with limited number of patients and the trials are small or poorly standardized. The available data support future investigations of ECP as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of AID in well-designed prospective clinical studies. J

Extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of severe, refractory steroid dependent pediatric Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting both children and adults. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used in steroid dependent adults with moderate to severely active Crohn's disease, with response rates up to 50%, with up to 25% complete responses. A 12-year-old male patient had severe unremitting Crohn's disease for one year, despite treatment with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and biologic agents. He failed elemental enteral nutrition and required total parenteral nutrition (TPN). A diverting colostomy for perforation was required. He required frequent hospitalizations and required homebound schooling. Endoscopy revealed severe inflammation and ulcerations of the entire colon. ECP was begun twice weekly for 4 weeks, then twice per week every 14 days for a total of 28 weeks. ECP was well tolerated and prednisone was gradually discontinued. He continued daily azathioprine and infliximab at 6 week intervals. TPN was weaned as enteral intake improved. Disease abatement allowed a return to school and normal activities. Endoscopy at completion of ECP course revealed normal upper tract, normal ano-rectum, and decreased, although significant, colonic disease. This response has continued for at least 16 months since completion of ECP. We conclude that ECP is useful for pediatric patients with steroid dependent Crohn's disease and prospective evaluation is warranted.

The molecular and clinical rationale of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in autoimmune diseases, malignancies and transplantation

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy, or photopheresis is a low-risk therapeutical intervention, which has been introduced in a variety of hematological malignancies, autoimmune conditions and transplantation. The mode of action of photopheresis encompasses apoptosis-induction and modifications of immunoregulatory processes, leading to the elimination of malignant cells, as well as the down-modulation of harmful immune responses. Although the beneficial effects of the therapy have been depicted in numerous studies, little is known about the exact benefits and the molecular mechanisms behind. The aim of the present review was to portray some aspects of the molecular and clinical rationale of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in autoimmune diseases, malignancies and transplantation, and to provide an overview of the treatment in the modern clinical management of these diseases.