Extracorporeal photopheresis for treatment of adults and children with acute GVHD: UK consensus statement and review of published literature

Second line extracorporeal photopheresis for cortico-resistant acute and chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for hematological malignancies: Long-term results from a real-life study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this observational study was to perform an exhaustive description concerning patients receiving extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as second line treatment after steroid resistance for either acute or chronic GVHD following allo-HCT, secondary objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 106 patients were included, 65 (61%) males and 41 (39%) females with a median age at transplantation of 52 years (range: 20-67). ECP was initiated after transplantation either for acute GVHD [N = 25 (24%), 12 grade III and 13 grade IV] affecting skin alone (N = 5), gut alone (N = 12), gut and liver (N = 8), or chronic GVHD [N = 81 (76%), 15 (14%) limited and 66 (62%) extensive].

RESULTS

Among the 25 patients treated for acute GHVD, 67% were responders and among the 81 patients with chronic GVHD, 78% were responders. Patients with acute GVHD had a median OS of 6 months with a survival probability at 2 years of 35% [95%CI: 14-56]. Patients with chronic GVHD had a median OS of 72 months with a survival probability at 2 years of 68% [95%CI: 56-78]. There was a significant difference in terms of survival for patients responding to ECP compared to non-responders in both acute and chronic GVHD forms. Acute GVHD grade III-IV, negatively impacted on OS (HR=7.77, 95%CI: 1.7-34), p = 0.007 and on disease relapse HR= 5.88, 95%CI: 1.7-20, p = 0.005.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that ECP is an effective treatment for GVHD in a good proportion of patients with high overall response rate.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease. Part II: Disease activity grading and therapeutic management

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and a leading cause of long-term morbidity, nonrelapse mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life. The skin is commonly affected and presents heterogeneously, making the role of dermatologists critical in both diagnosis and treatment. In addition, new clinical classification and grading schemes inform treatment algorithms, which now include 3 Federal Drug Administration-approved therapies, and evolving transplant techniques are changing disease epidemiology. Part I reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of cGVHD. Part II discusses disease grading and therapeutic management.

Extracorporeal photopheresis induces NETosis in neutrophils derived from patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is considered an effective treatment for patients with chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD) and demonstrates efficacy in ameliorating GVHD. The mechanism by which ECP acts against cGVHD is not fully understood. Preliminary observations have hinted at the potential involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in the pathogenesis of cGVHD. We aimed to assess the influence of ECP on the formation of NETs in patients with cGVHD as a potential mechanism in this setting.

METHODS

Patients treated with ECP for cGVHD at the Rabin Medical Center were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained at three different time points: before starting an ECP cycle, at the end of the first day of treatment, and 24 h following the initiation of the ECP treatment cycle. Neutrophils were harvested from all blood samples. NET formation was assessed by measurement of NET-bound specific neutrophil elastase activity and by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Six patients (two females and four males) with cGVHD were included in the study. We observed a significant increase in NET formation among all six patients following ECP. Net-bound specific neutrophil elastase activity was elevated from a median value of 2.23 mU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 2.06-2.47 mU/mL) at baseline to a median value of 13.06 mU/mL (IQR 10.27-15.97 mU/mL) immediately after the treatment and to a peak median value of 14.73 mU/mL (IQR 9.6-22.38 mU/mL) 24 h following the initiation of the ECP cycle. A qualitative assessment of NET formation using immunofluorescence staining has demonstrated markedly increased expression of citrullinated histone H3, a marker of NET formation, following ECP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data indicate that ECP induces NET formation among patients with cGVHD. The contribution of increased NET formation to the therapeutic effect of cGVHD should be further investigated.

Risk and promise: an 11-year, single-center retrospective study of severe acute GVHD in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT for nonmalignant diseases

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative option for many nonmalignant hematopoietic-derived diseases in pediatric patients. Survival after HSCT has improved in recent years and resulted in a 90% survival rate and cure in some nonmalignant diseases. Graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) remains a frequent and major complication of HSCT, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Prognosis of patients with high-grade GVHD is dismal, with survival rates varying from 25% in the adult population to 55% in pediatric patients.

Methods

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of severe acute GVHD (AGVHD) in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases, following allogeneic HSCT. Clinical and transplant data were retrospectively collected for all pediatric patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT for nonmalignant diseases at the Hadassah Medical Center between 2008 and 2019. Patients who developed severe AGVHD were compared with those who did not.

Results

A total of 247 children with nonmalignant diseases underwent 266 allogeneic HSCTs at Hadassah University Hospital over an 11-year period. Seventy-two patients (29.1%) developed AGVHD, 35 of them (14.1%) severe AGVHD (grade 3-4). Significant risk factors for developing severe AGVHD were unrelated donor (p < 0.001), mismatch donor (p < 0.001), and the use of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) (p < 0.001). Survival rates of pediatric patients with severe AGVHD was 71.4%, compared with 91.9% among those with mild (grade 1-2) AGVHD and 83.4% among patients without AGVHD (p = 0.067).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a high survival rate in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases despite severe GVHD. Significant mortality risk factors found in these patients were the source of donor PBSC (p = 0.016) and poor response to steroid treatment (p = 0.007).

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) improves overall survival in the treatment of steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR aGvHD)

Steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR aGvHD) is a major limitation of successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used to treat SR aGvHD effectively and with low treatment related toxicity. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 103 Steroid Refractory aGvHD (SR aGvHD) patients to identify factors associated with improved outcomes including the use of ECP. A total of 79 patients received ECP as part of their SR aGVHD treatment compared to 24 patients who did not. Both groups had similar aGVHD grade and maximum organ stage at onset of aGVHD and treatment initiation. Patients in the group that received ECP had better OS (p = 0.01), DFS (p = 0.008), lower relapse (p = 0.05) and similar NRM compared to the group that did not receive ECP. Patients that received ECP treatment also had shorter hospital stays in the first 180 days after onset of SR aGvHD (20 vs. 38 days, p = 0.03). Multivariable analysis for OS indicated patient CMV status (CMV+ versus CMV-, HR 2.34, CI 1.16-4.69), regimen intensity (Myelo vs. non-Myeloablative, HR 0.39, CI 0.20-0.75), and the use of ECP (ECP vs. no ECP, HR 0.39, CI 0.20-0.75) were associated with OS. In summary, the use of ECP in the treatment of SR aGvHD results in improved overall survival secondary to lower relapse rates compared to other therapeutic modalities that do not incorporate ECP.

Retrospective, Landmark Analysis of Long-term Adult Morbidity Following Allogeneic HSCT for Inborn Errors of Immunity in Infancy and Childhood

Purpose

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the treatment of choice for patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). There is little published medical outcome data assessing late medical complications following transition to adult care. We sought to document event-free survival (EFS) in transplanted IEI patients reaching adulthood and describe common late-onset medical complications and factors influencing EFS.

Methods

In this landmark analysis, 83 adults surviving 5 years or more following prior HSCT in childhood for IEI were recruited. The primary endpoint was event-free survival, defined as time post-first HSCT to graft failure, graft rejection, chronic infection, life-threatening or recurrent infections, malignancy, significant autoimmune disease, moderate to severe GVHD or major organ dysfunction. All events occurring less than 5 years post-HSCT were excluded.

Results

EFS was 51% for the whole cohort at a median of 20 years post HSCT. Multivariable analysis identified age at transplant and whole blood chimerism as independent predictors of long-term EFS. Year of HSCT, donor, conditioning intensity and underlying diagnosis had no significant impact on EFS. 59 events occurring beyond 5 years post-HSCT were documented in 37 patients (45% cohort). A total of 25 patients (30% cohort) experienced ongoing significant complications requiring active medical intervention at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Although most patients achieved excellent, durable immune reconstitution with infrequent transplant-related complications, very late complications are common and associated with mixed chimerism post-HSCT. Early intervention to correct mixed chimerism may improve long-term outcomes and adult health following HSCT for IEI in childhood.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10875-022-01278-6.

UK national survey of anticoagulation in extra-corporeal photopheresis-Is it time for a UK consensus statement?

BACKGROUND

Extra-corporeal photopheresis (ECP) requires anticoagulation to prevent circuit clotting. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is currently the only anticoagulant licensed for the ECP system in use in the United Kingdom (UK). Acid citrate dextrose-A (ACD-A) is the preferred anticoagulant for most other apheresis procedures. Anecdotal evidence suggested variability in ECP practice across the UK with some providers using off-label ACD-A.

AIMS

We developed a survey together with the UK Photopheresis Society to establish current practice.

MATERIALS & METHODS

This was distributed to all 17 ECP providers covering 34 UK sites.

RESULTS

Significant variability in practice was demonstrated with only 36% of responding providers (5/14) using UFH exclusively and 29% (4/14) using ACD-A as standard.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlights the need for a UK consensus.

Extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease: A multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is one of the second-line treatment strategies in steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). We aimed to share our multicenter experience using ECP in our steroid-refractory aGvHD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational series of 75 aGvHD patients from 4 transplant centers were analyzed. All ECP procedures were performed with the off-line system. All patients received ECP as second-line therapy.

RESULTS

74.7 % of aGvHD patients were grade 3 or 4. The overall response rate was 42.7 % (32/75) in aGvHD including 17 complete responses (22.7 %). Median follow-up was 6 months (range, 1-68). Median overall survival (OS) was 5 months for non-responders and 68 months for responders (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven (36 %) patients are alive, and 48 (64 %) patients have died.

CONCLUSIONS

Early initiated ECP could be an effective treatment alternative in patients with steroid-refractory aGvHD.

The response-guided ATG treatment provides a survival benefit and KPS recovery for patients with steroid refractory acute GVHD: The Nagasaki Transplant Group Experience

Steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD) is a serious complication that negatively affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is one of the second-line treatments for SR-aGVHD. We retrospectively evaluated Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) recovery and clinical response in 11 patients who received the response-guided low-dose ATG treatment for SR-aGVHD after allo-HSCT using alternative donors. The median dose of ATG per cycle was 1.0 mg/kg (range, 1.0-1.25 mg/kg) and the median number of cycles of ATG was 2 (range, 1-4). The overall response rate was 63.6%, and the estimated overall survival rate at 1 year was 63.6%. Two out of seven patients who survived 1 year after the response-guided ATG treatment had KPS of 80 or higher. The remaining 5 patients had KPS of lower than 80 due to moderate chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and/or ≥grade 3 infectious complications. Based on the poor prognosis of patients with SR-aGVHD, the response-guided ATG treatment represents one therapeutic option. The present results also suggest that chronic GVHD and infectious complications after the response-guided ATG treatment were associated with decreased KPS recovery and impaired social function.

Thymopoiesis, Alterations in Dendritic Cells and Tregs, and Reduced T Cell Activation in Successful Extracorporeal Photopheresis Treatment of GVHD

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a significant complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and negatively affects T cell reconstitution. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) reduces aGVHD, but the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Our objective was to examine the impact of ECP on thymopoiesis in pediatric aGVHD and the mechanisms at a cellular and transcriptional level. Sixteen pediatric HSCT patients were recruited: 6 with ECP-treated aGVHD, 5 without aGVHD, and 5 with aGVHD treated with corticosteroids only. Thymopoiesis was evaluated by measuring naive T cells, TRECs, IL-7, and T cell receptor repertoire diversity. Regulatory T cell (Treg) enumeration and function and dendritic cell (DC) enumeration and phenotype were analyzed using flow cytometry. T cell transcriptome analysis was performed on ECP patients after treatment and responders pre- and post-treatment. Four ECP responders demonstrated thymic-dependent T cell recovery, and superior median naïve T cell numbers at 8 and 12 months post-HSCT compared to the aGVHD corticosteroid group. Increased Tregs and Treg suppressive function, reduced cDC/pDC and DC co-stimulatory marker expression in ECP responders suggest upregulated peripheral tolerance; these findings were not observed in partial responders. Responder post-ECP CD3+ T cell transcriptional profile demonstrated 3333 downregulated and 364 upregulated genes, with significant downregulation of ERRα and GαS pathways, and reduced expression of pro-inflammatory and adhesion proteins.

Thymic function improves with successful ECP treatment. ECP reduces T cell activation and impacts peripheral tolerance via DCs and Tregs. Differences in thymic recovery, DC, and Treg cellular patterns and the T cell transcriptome were observed between ECP responders and partial responders and require further validation and investigation in additional patients.

European dermatology forum - updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 - part 1

Background

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi‐disciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

In order to further provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) again proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. All authors had the opportunity to review each contribution as it was added.

Results and conclusion

These updated 2020 guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. The guidelines are divided in two parts: PART I covers cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease and acute graft‐versus‐host disease while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn's disease, use of ECP in paediatrics practice, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.

A survey of extracorporeal photopheresis treatment in pediatric patients in the United Kingdom

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a second‐line therapy in acute and chronic GVHD and solid organ transplant rejection. We report ECP use in 98 pediatric patients in seven UK centers from 2010 to 2017, the majority treated for aGVHD (73.5%). ECP was safe and well tolerated including in low body weight patients. Most patients were on multiple immunosuppressive therapies prior to ECP; 45.9% were able to reduce or stop immunosuppression with treatment. Complete or partial response was reported in almost 60%. This study supports the need to include ECP treatment data to national transplant databases to provide accurate information regarding service provision, patient outcomes, and safety.

Pediatric acute graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis and treatment: surveyed real-life approach reveals dissimilarities compared to published recommendations

Pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) practices differ from those of adults, particularly the heterogeneity of transplantable nonmalignant diseases and the lower incidence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Several guidelines regarding the management of acute (a) GVHD in adult HCT have been published. We aimed to capture the real‐life approaches for pediatric aGVHD prophylaxis/treatment, and data from 75/193 (response rate 39%) EBMT centers (26 countries) were included, representing half (48%) of the pediatric EBMT‐HCT activity. Results with ≥75% approval from respondents (74/75) for GVHD prophylaxis after myeloablative HCT for malignancies partially contradict published guidelines: Single‐agent cyclosporine A (CsA) was used for matched sibling donor HCT in 47%; blood CsA levels were reported lower; the relapse risk in malignant diseases influenced GVHD prophylaxis with early withdrawal of CsA; distinct longer duration of CsA was employed in nonmalignant diseases. Most centers used additional anti‐thymocyte globulin for matched unrelated and mismatched donor HCT, but not for matched siblings. Regarding prophylaxis in nonmyeloablative conditioning (mainly for nonmalignant diseases), responses showed broad heterogeneity. High conformity was found for first‐line treatment; however, results regarding steroid‐refractory aGVHD indicate an earlier diagnosis in children. Our findings highlight the need for standardized pediatric approaches toward aGVHD prophylaxis/treatment differentiated for malignant and nonmalignant underlying diseases.

Long Term Outcome and Immune Function After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Primary Immunodeficiency

Transplantation techniques for patients with primary immunodeficiencies have improved so that survival from the procedure in many cases is >80%. However, long term complications may arise due to the use or not of conditioning agents. This may result in variable immune reconstitution, the long term effects of chemotherapy, particularly on fertility, and complications relating to the genetic disorder, unresolved by transplantation. For patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), long term T- and B-lymphocyte immune reconstitution is best achieved after pre-transplant chemotherapy. For patients who receive an unconditioned infusion of donor stem cells, the quality of immune reconstitution depends on the SCID genotype. Long term effects include chemotherapy-induced impaired fertility, and sequelae specific to the genotype. For patients with other primary immunodeficiencies, conditioning is required-sequelae related to direct effects of chemotherapy may be observed. Additional long term effects may be observed due to partial donor chimerism resulting in incomplete eradication of disease, and other geno-specific effects.

Modulation of B Cells and Homing Marker on NK Cells Through Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Patients With Steroid-Refractory/Resistant Graft-Vs.-Host Disease Without Hampering Anti-viral/Anti-leukemic Effects

Graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD), a severe complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, significantly affects the post-transplant morbidity and mortality. Systemic steroids remain the gold standard for the initial management of GvHD. However, up to 60% of patients will not sufficiently respond to steroids. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), a cell-based immunotherapy, has shown good clinical results in such steroid-refractory/resistant GvHD patients. Given its immunomodulatory, but not global immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing capacity, ECP constitutes an attractive option. In the case of GvHD, the balance of immune cells is destroyed: effector cells are not any longer efficiently controlled by regulatory cells. ECP therapy may restore this balance. However, the precise mechanism and the impact of ECP on anti-viral/anti-leukemic function remain unclear. In this study, 839 ECP treatments were performed on patients with acute GvHD (aGvHD) and chronic GvHD (cGvHD). A comprehensive analysis of effector and regulatory cells in patients under ECP therapy included multi-parametric flow cytometry and tetramer staining, Luminex^TM-based cytokine, interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot, and chromium-51 release assays. Gene profiling of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) was performed by microarray analysis. Immunologically, modulations of effector and regulatory cells as well as proinflammatory cytokines were observed under ECP treatment: (1) GvHD-relevant cell subsets like CD62L⁺ NK cells and newly defined CD19^hiCD20^hi B cells were modulated, but (2) quantity and quality of anti-viral/anti-leukemic effector cells were preserved. (3) The development of MDSCs was promoted and switched from an inactivated subset (CD33^-CD11b⁺) to an activated subset (CD33⁺CD11b⁺). (4) The frequency of Foxp3⁺CD4⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD24⁺CD38^hi regulatory B cells was considerably increased in aGvHD patients, and Foxp3⁺CD8⁺ Tregs in cGvHD patients. (5) Proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly reduced. In summary, ECP constitutes an effective immunomodulatory therapy for patients with steroid-refractory/resistant GvHD without impairment of anti-viral/leukemia effects.

Thymopoiesis following HSCT; a retrospective review comparing interventions for aGVHD in a pediatric cohort

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) complicates allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and is treated with topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids and aGVHD damage thymic tissue. We compared thymopoietic effect of topical steroid therapy, corticosteroids and extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in 102 pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients. We categorized patients into 4 groups: - no aGVHD, aGVHD treated with topical or systemic steroid, or ECP. Naïve CD4⁺CD45RA⁺CD27⁺ T-lymphocyte values at 3, 6, 9, 12months post-HSCT were recorded: for ECP patients, values were recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12months during ECP. Differences were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. 41 patients had no aGVHD, 23 had aGVHD treated topically or systemically (25), 13 received ECP. Rate of thymopoiesis was significantly different between all groups at all time-points post-transplant (p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001 respectively). Even mild aGVHD impairs thymopoiesis. Worst recovery was in ECP patients. Earlier institution of ECP may speed thymic recovery.

"Best practice" for extracorporeal photopheresis in acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease by Societa' Italiana di Emaferesi and Manipolazione Cellulare and Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo: a national survey to ascertain its degree of application in Italian transplant centers

BACKGROUND

A recent "best practice" promoted and published by Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo (GITMO) and Societa' Italiana di Emaferesi and Manipolazione Cellulare (SIDEM) on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has been tested for the degree of agreement and application among Italian transplant centers.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-four Italian centers coordinating a pair number of transplant programs completed the Web-based survey within the fixed deadline, representing approximately 52% of those centers that have a GITMO-accredited allogeneic transplant program that routinely uses ECP in GVHD.

RESULTS

The level of full agreement was more than 85% for most of the answers given by the best practice (14 of 16) to the various issues. For the answers of two questions dealing with indications of ECP in acute GVHD and with safety and quality measures we observed a full agreement of 62 and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This report shows a very good success of best practice among Italian centers, indicating that, after 3 years, it seems to be still updated and useful. More discussion has been observed for safety and quality measures and, likely, this issue deserves a dedicated focus on a future consensus report.

A Critical Appraisal of Extracorporeal Photopheresis as a Treatment Modality for Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Although significant advances have been made in the biologic understanding of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and its treatment options, GVHD remains the single most challenging obstacle to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) due to high risk of disabling morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has promising effects in controlling steroid-refractory GVHD, both acute and chronic, and it has been studied extensively. Its putative immunomodulatory mechanisms, while not immunosuppressive, position ECP as an attractive treatment strategy for GVHD patients who are already receiving global immunosuppression. However, ECP is relatively underutilized due in part to limited access and time commitment. Here, we review the recent findings on the ECP efficacy in both acute and chronic GVHD, primarily for steroid-refractory status, and we critically appraise its benefits. We also explore salient considerations on the optimal use of ECP in the treatment of refractory GVHD.

Treatment of Pediatric Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease-Lessons from Primary Immunodeficiency?

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. Reconstitution of adaptive T-lymphocyte immunity is a lengthy and complex process which requires a functioning and structurally intact thymus responsible for the production of new naïve T-lymphocytes with a broad TCR repertoire. Damage to the thymic microenvironment, secondary to aGvHD and the effect of corticosteroid treatment, disturbs normal signaling required for thymocyte development, resulting in impaired T-lymphopoiesis and reduced thymic export. Primary immunodeficiencies, in which failure of central or peripheral tolerance is a major feature, because of intrinsic defects in hematopoietic stem cells leading to abnormal T-lymphocyte development, or defects in thymic stroma, can give insights into critical processes important for recovery from aGvHD. Extracorporeal photopheresis is a potential alternative therapy for aGvHD, which acts in an immunomodulatory fashion, through the generation of regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs), alteration of cytokine patterns and modulation of dendritic cells. Promoting normal central and peripheral immune tolerance, with selective downregulation of immune stimulation, could reduce aGvHD, and enable a reduction in other immunosuppression, facilitating thymic recovery, restoration of normal T-lymphocyte ontogeny, and complete immunoreconstitution with improved clinical outcome as the ability to fight infections improves and risk of secondary malignancy or relapse diminishes.

The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in the management of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, graft-versus-host disease and organ transplant rejection: a consensus statement update from the UK Photopheresis Society

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. The recent literature has been reviewed and considered when writing this update. Most notably, the national transition from the UVAR XTS^® machine to the new CELLEX machine for ECP with dual access and a shorter treatment time has led to relevant changes in these schedules. This consensus statement updates the previous statement from 2007 on the treatment of CTCL and GvHD with ECP using evidence based medicine and best medical practise and includes guidelines for both children and adults.

Extra corporeal photochemotherapy in steroid refractory graft versus host disease: A review of guidelines and recommendations

Regardless of remarkable progresses in prevention and treatment approaches, graft versus host disease (GVHD) remains a major impediment for successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) and leads to morbidity and mortality in transplanted patients. Corticosteroids are the standard therapy for GVHD; however, a great number of patients will not respond sufficiently and others will be significantly affected by adverse effects of steroids. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), as one of the numerous second line therapies, through modulation of immune cells may improves GVHD affected organ function in steroid-refractory forms. Considering to widespread utilization of ECP as a therapeutic strategy, we performed review on current literature of ECP, regarding the treatment strategies, monitoring protocols and technical aspects in chronic and acute GVHD.

Extracoporeal photopheresis treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

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. By promoting immune tolerance and simultaneously avoiding systemic immunosuppression, ECP could reduce aGvHD and enable a reduction in other immunosuppression, allowing thymic recovery, restoration of normal T lymphopoiesis, and complete immunoreconstitution with improved clinical outcome. Although the safety and efficacy of ECP has been demonstrated, further randomised controlled studies are needed as well as elucidation of the underlying mechanisms responsible and the effect of ECP on thymic recovery.

The European Hematology Association Roadmap for European Hematology Research: a consensus document

The European Hematology Association (EHA) Roadmap for European Hematology Research highlights major achievements in diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and identifies the greatest unmet clinical and scientific needs in those areas to enable better funded, more focused European hematology research. Initiated by the EHA, around 300 experts contributed to the consensus document, which will help European policy makers, research funders, research organizations, researchers, and patient groups make better informed decisions on hematology research. It also aims to raise public awareness of the burden of blood disorders on European society, which purely in economic terms is estimated at €23 billion per year, a level of cost that is not matched in current European hematology research funding. In recent decades, hematology research has improved our fundamental understanding of the biology of blood disorders, and has improved diagnostics and treatments, sometimes in revolutionary ways. This progress highlights the potential of focused basic research programs such as this EHA Roadmap.The EHA Roadmap identifies nine 'sections' in hematology: normal hematopoiesis, malignant lymphoid and myeloid diseases, anemias and related diseases, platelet disorders, blood coagulation and hemostatic disorders, transfusion medicine, infections in hematology, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These sections span 60 smaller groups of diseases or disorders.The EHA Roadmap identifies priorities and needs across the field of hematology, including those to develop targeted therapies based on genomic profiling and chemical biology, to eradicate minimal residual malignant disease, and to develop cellular immunotherapies, combination treatments, gene therapies, hematopoietic stem cell treatments, and treatments that are better tolerated by elderly patients.

Recent advances in treatment of severe primary immunodeficiencies

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare, inborn errors that result in impaired, disordered or uncontrolled immune responses. Whilst symptomatic and prophylactic treatment is available, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an option for many diseases, leading to cure of the immunodeficiency and establishing normal physical and psychological health. Newborn screening for some diseases, whilst improving outcomes, is focusing research on safer and less toxic treatment strategies, which result in durable and sustainable immune function without adverse effects. New conditioning regimens have reduced the risk of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and new methods of manipulating stem cell sources should guarantee a donor for almost all patients. Whilst incremental enhancements in transplantation technique have gradually improved survival outcomes over time, some of these new applications are likely to radically alter our approach to treating primary immunodeficiencies.

Extracorporeal photopheresis performed on the CELLEX® compared with the UVAR-XTS® instrument is more efficient and better tolerated in children with steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective therapy in children with refractory graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The two most frequently used instruments are UVAR-XTS® and CELLEX®. We performed a retrospective chart review of ten patients who underwent ECP with both UVAR-XTS® and CELLEX® instruments for steroid-refractory acute or chronic GVHD to compare instrument run times, percentages of cells treated, and complication rates. We found that compared to the UVAR-XTS® instrument, use of the CELLEX® instrument resulted in shorter run times, increased percentage of mononuclear cells treated, reduced incidence of line occlusions requiring TPA treatment, and decreased incidence of patient-related complications.

A concise review on extracorporeal photochemotherapy: Where we began and where we are now and where are we going!

Currently, more than 1080 peer-reviewed papers are displayed on PubMed when initiating a search for therapeutic indications and mechanisms of action of extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). This concise review focuses mainly on some prevalent and traditional treatment-resistant disorders with an emphasis on immunologic complications emerging from stem cell and solid organ transplantation.