Understanding Photopheresis

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) therapy is performed using the THERAKOS UVAR® XTS™ instrument. After first removing whole blood from the patient, the UVAR® XTS™ centrifuges the blood to separate red blood cells (RBCs) from the leukocyte-containing buffy coat cells. The RBCs and plasma are then immediately returned to the patient.

The buffy coat cells remain in the UVAR® XTS™ machine, where they are treated with methoxsalen and irradiated with UVA (ultraviolet-A) light, which photoactivates the drug.

The photoactivated buffy coat cells are then returned to the patient.

ECP works via a mechanism of immune modulation:

• Photopheresis induces apoptosis of treated cells
• Reinfused apoptotic cells generate tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells, which accelerate restoration of immune balance
• Restoration of immune balance early in the treatment regimen may be beneficial in preventing the progression of disease.

In addition, research has shown that early treatment with photopheresis may improve survival and quality of life and has been demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated.