Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a complex therapy in which
cells collected from patients are exposed to the effects of photosensitizing agents
(specifically 8-methoxypsolaren) and ultraviolet Light-A. Its most common indication is
advanced stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, this therapy has yielded
successful results in other cutaneous and metabolic diseases like phemphigus vulgaris
and autoimmune diabetes mellitus [1]. Although the cost represents a significant
limitation, extracorporeal photochemotherapy should be considered in the
aforementioned diseases in patients where other conventional therapies have failed or
are contraindicated.
Keywords: Hematoporphyrin radiation, phototherapy, photochemotherapy,
analytical, diagnostic and therapeutical techniques and equipment category,
ultraviolet therapy, skin and connective tissue diseases, skin diseases, skin,
dermis, epidermis.
