Extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease: A multicenter experience. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Batgi, Hikmettullah; Dal, Mehmet Sinan; Erkurt, Mehmet Ali; Kuku, Irfan; Kurtoglu, Erdal; Hindilerden, Ipek Yonal; Kaya, Emin; Berber, Ilhami; Ulas, Turgay; Altuntas, Fevzi
• Is Part Of: Transfusion and apheresis science. Volume 60:Number 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Extracorporeal photopheresis -- Allogeneic stem cell transplantation -- Acute graft versus host disease; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Hemapheresis -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-0502

Abstract

Abstract: 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.