1.
Extracorporeal photopheresis for graft versus host disease: A literature review and treatment guidelines proposed by the Nordic ECP Quality Group
Nygaard, M., Wichert, S., Berlin, G., Toss, F.
European journal of haematology. 2020
Abstract
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is one of the most used and established therapies for steroid-refractory graft versus host disease (GvHD), with a good effect to side effect profile. In this review we present a summary of present literature and provide evidence-based treatment guidelines for ECP in GvHD. The guidelines constitute a consensus statement formed by the Nordic ECP Quality Group representing all ECP centres in the Nordic countries, and aims to facilitate harmonization and evidence based practise. In developing the guidelines, we firstly conducted a thorough literature search of original articles and existing guidelines. In total, we identified 26 studies for ECP use in acute GvHD and 36 in chronic GvHD. The studies were generally small, retrospective and heterogeneous regarding patient characteristics, treatment schedule and outcome assessment. In general, a majority of patients achieved partial response or better, but response rates varied by the organs affected. Head to head comparisons to other treatment modalities were lacking. Overall, we consider the quality of evidence to be low-moderate (GRADE) and encourage future prospective multi-armed trials to strengthen the present recommendations. However, despite limitations in evidence strength, standardized treatment schedules and regular follow-up are imperative to ensure the best possible patient outcome.
2.
European dermatology forum: Updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 - Part 2
Knobler, R., Arenberger, P., Arun, A., Assaf, C., Bagot, M., Berlin, G., Bohbot, A., Calzavara-Pinton, P., Child, F., Cho, A., et al
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. 2020
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Abstract
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 multidisciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well-known documented conditions such as graft-vs.-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 were divided into two parts: PART I covers Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, chronic graft-vs.-host disease and acute graft-vs.-host disease, while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn's disease, use of ECP in paediatric patients, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.