Activation markers in severe atopic dermatitis following extracorporeal photochemotherapy

Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Dermatological Diseases

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an apheresis procedure that is conventionally used as a first-line treatment for cutaneous and leukemic subtypes of T-cell lymphoma, such as Sezary's syndrome and mycosis fungoides. Over the past three decades, its immunotherapeutic properties have been tested on a variety of autoimmune conditions, including many dermatologic diseases. There is ample evidence of ECP's ability to modify leukocytes and alter cytokine production for certain dermatologic diseases that have been refractory to first-line treatments, such as atopic dermatitis. However, the evidence on the efficacy of ECP for the treatment of these dermatologic diseases is unclear and/or lacks sufficient evidence. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the utilization and clinical efficacy of ECP in the treatment of several [autoimmune] dermatologic diseases and discuss its applications, guidelines, recommendations, and future implementation for dermatologic diseases.

European dermatology forum: Updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 - Part 2

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.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis-An Overview

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been in clinical use for over three decades after receiving FDA approval for the palliative treatment of the Sézary Syndrome variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in 1988. After the first positive experiences with CTCL, additional indications have been successfully explored including areas such as graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), scleroderma, and solid organ transplantation. The mechanism of action is still not fully resolved, but important steps in understanding ECP in recent years have been very informative. Originally, the primary hypothesis stated that psoralen and ultraviolet A (UVA) in combination induce apoptosis in the treated immune cells. This view shifted in favor of dendritic cell initiation, modification of the cytokine profile and stimulation of several T-cell lineages, in particular regulatory T-cells. A number of ECP guidelines have been produced to optimize treatment regimens in the clinical context. In CTCL, enough evidence is available for the use of ECP as a first line treatment for Sézary Syndrome (SS), but also as a second line or rescue treatment in therapy-refractory forms of mycosis fungoides (MF). ECP in the treatment of acute and chronic GVHD has shown promising results as second line therapy in steroid-refractory presentations. In solid organ transplantation, ECP has been used to increase tissue tolerance and decrease infections with opportunistic pathogens, attributed to the use of high doses of immunosuppressive medication. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a limiting factor affecting survival in solid organ transplantation and the role of ECP will be discussed in this review. A trend toward prophylactic use of ECP can be observed and may further contribute to improve the outcome in many patients. To further deepen our knowledge of ECP and thus facilitate its use in patients that potentially benefit most from it, future prospective randomized trials are urgently needed in this rapidly growing field. The aim of this review is to (1) introduce the method, (2) give an overview where ECP has shown promising effects and has become an essential part of treatment protocols, and (3) to give recommendations on how to proceed in numerous indications.

Extracorporeal photopheresis as a therapy for autoimmune diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases (AID) have multiorgan, heterogeneous clinical presentations and are characterized by dysregulation of the immune system, immunodeficiency, irreversible organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality. Preventing or decreasing flares of AID correlate with durable disease control, significant reduction of inflammation and prevention of disability or therapy-related toxicity. There is an urgent need for better treatment of severe, therapy-refractory AID. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a cell-based immunomodulatory treatment which has been extensively used in variety of autoimmune disorders for the last two decades. ECP treatment is FDA approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with particularly promising results seen in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Prolonged therapy is safe, well tolerated and allows reduction of systemic immunosuppression in therapy-refractory patients. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggest that ECP mechanism of action is characterized by apoptosis and phagocytosis of activated cells by antigen-presenting cells (APC), secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and stimulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The focus of this paper is to review the current evidence of ECP use in the treatment of AID. Here, we summarize the experience of nine major AID from 65 published reports. The key findings demonstrate substantial evidence of ECP feasibility, safety and in some AID also promising efficacy. However, the role of ECP in AID therapy is not established as most published studies are retrospective with limited number of patients and the trials are small or poorly standardized. The available data support future investigations of ECP as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of AID in well-designed prospective clinical studies. J

Cyclosporine and Extracorporeal Photopheresis are Equipotent in Treating Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Cross-Over Study Comparing Two Efficient Treatment Modalities

Background: Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent and debilitating disease often requiring systemic immunosuppressive treatment. The efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) is well proven but potential side effects are concerning. Several reports point at extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as an alternative treatment modality with few and mild side effects. However, no direct comparison between CsA and ECP in the treatment of AD has been performed so far.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of CsA (3 mg/kg/day) and ECP (administered two consecutive days twice a month) in a cohort of patients with severe AD.

Methods: A randomized cross-over study involving twenty patients with severe AD (SCORAD index 41-89) refractory to other treatments. The patients were allocated to a 4-month course of either of the two treatment modalities. Individual relapse periods (2–8 weeks) were interspersed before cross-over to the other treatment modality. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by SCORAD, PRURITUS (VAS-index 0–10), “overall global assessment” and serological biomarkers; sIL-2Rα, sE-selectin, eosinophilocytes, basophilocytes, and sIgE.

Results: 15 patients completed treatment. Both treatments lead to a marked and significant decrease in SCORAD and pruritus index. The average reduction of the SCORAD and pruritus index, respectively was a little higher for ECP treatment compared to CsA treatment; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. The “overall global assessment” was significantly better in patients who underwent ECP therapy as compared to CsA treatment. None of the biomarkers showed significant changes after either treatment when compared to the initial values.

Conclusion: ECP administered on two consecutive days twice a month to patients with severe AD has similar potency as CsA administered daily in a moderate dose. ECP is a treatment alternative in patients with severe AD that do not tolerate or are refractory to conventional immunosuppressants.

Guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis

BACKGROUND

After the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was published in 1983 with its subsequent recognition by the FDA for its refractory forms, the technology has shown significant promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi-disciplinary setting. Among the major studied conditions are graft versus host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection and inflammatory bowel disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) 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.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

These 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.

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy as systemic monotherapy of severe, refractory atopic dermatitis: results from a prospective trial

BACKGROUND

Previous work has indicated that extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) may be a safe and effective treatment in patients with severe atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study to investigate the effect of a defined 20-week ECP protocol in patients with severe, refractory atopic dermatitis. The patient inclusion criteria included (i) disease duration of at least 1 year, (ii) SCORAD > 45, and (iii) resistance to first-line therapy, including topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and one form of phototherapy (UVA, UVB, or PUVA) or one second-line therapy, including systemic steroids or cyclosporine. Ten patients (4 women and 6 men; age range 29 to 61 years) were enrolled and treated with two sessions of standard ECP in 2-week intervals for 12 weeks and 4-week intervals thereafter until week 20. The patients' clinical status and response was determined by SCORAD at baseline and every 2 weeks, and quality of life was assessed every 4 weeks using SKINDEX, SF-36, and FACT scores.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant (p = 0.015) reduction of the mean SCORAD by 10.3 (95% CI, 2.5 to 18.0) from 64.8 at baseline to 54.5 (i.e., 15.9% reduction) at week 20. In a subset of patients (all of female sex), the relative reduction in SCORAD after ECP was more than 25% at week 20. Improvement in quality of life measured by SKINDEX, SF-36, and FACT did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected a small but significant therapeutic effect of ECP in patients with severe, refractory atopic dermatitis.

Extracorporeal photopheresis, a therapeutic option for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and immunological diseases: state of the art

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been extensively used for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases for over 20 years and has a consistent and predictable safety profile with long-term use. Documenting the efficacy of ECP as therapeutic treatment has long been a matter of importance for physicians.

AREAS COVERED

The authors reviewed publications in this field with the goal of providing an overview of this therapeutic approach.

EXPERT OPINION

ECP is efficacious in a high percentage of those cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients who have circulating malignant T cells in the context of a still-near-normal immune competence. From the side of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the use of ECP showed a clinical benefit in patients with steroid-refractory acute GVHD (aGVHD) and it is believed that ECP deserves to be evaluated as part of a combination strategy in first-line therapy of aGVHD. In chronic GHVD, the published data show that ECP can be effective in extensive and long-standing disease even when treatment is initiated at an advanced stage after conventional immunosuppressive and corticosteroid therapy has failed. ECP should be considered most beneficial for patients with predominantly mucocutaneous chronic GVHD. The fields of application of the procedure could be vast, and could also include autoimmune and metabolic diseases. The most important methodological issues which affect ECP evaluation is that the large majority of data about ECP result from single-arm observational series and the significant efficacy is mainly based on small and retrospective studies. ECP has never been proved to offer any survival advantage in a context of a randomized trial and the above-mentioned limitation also affects the accuracy of many biological modifications observed during ECP. Starting from these considerations, the need of a prospective randomized study becomes increasingly urgent.

Management of itch in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common, pruritic, inflammatory skin disorder. Chronic, localized, or even generalized pruritus is the diagnostic hallmark of atopic dermatitis, and its management remains a challenge for physicians. The threshold for itch and alloknesis is markedly reduced in these patients, and infections can promote exacerbation and thereby increase the itch. Modern management consists of anti-inflammatory, occasionally antiseptic, as well as antipruritic therapies to address the epidermal barrier as well as immunomodulation or infection. Mild forms of atopic dermatitis may be controlled with topical therapies, but moderate-to-severe forms often require a combination of systemic treatments consisting of antipruritic and immunosuppressive drugs, phototherapy, and topical compounds. In addition, patient education and a therapeutic regimen to help the patient cope with the itch and eczema are important adjuvant strategies for optimized long-term management. This review highlights various topical, systemic, and complementary and alternative therapies, as well as provide a therapeutic ladder for optimized long-term control of itch in atopic dermatitis.

Extracorporeal photopheresis as a treatment for patients with severe, refractory atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with a variety of possible treatment regimens. The study objective was to demonstrate that methoxsalen used in conjunction with the Uvar XTS photopheresis system (Therakos, Exton, Pa., USA) is safe and can have a clinical effect on the skin manifestations and the quality of life in patients with severe, refractory AD.

METHODS

Single-arm, open-label treatment using the Uvar XTS photopheresis system. Seven patients (4 male and 3 female, median age: 47 years) with severe (SCORAD >45) AD of at least 12 months duration who in the preceding 12 months had been refractory to all 3 of the first-line therapies for AD, i.e. topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and one form of phototherapy (UVA, UVB or PUVA), or to one of the second-line therapies like systemic steroids or cyclosporine were included in the study. Treatment consisted of two extracorporeal photopheresis treatments (ExP) on successive days every 2 weeks for a minimum of 12 weeks to a maximum of 20 weeks. Quality of life assessment was performed with the SF-36 Health Survey and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy FACT-G Survey. Clinical improvement was documented with SCORAD assessment.

RESULTS

ExP led to a significant decrease in the SCORAD score from 77.7 after 10 cycles to 55.6. Patients reported that they had begun to notice improvement of their skin conditions after 5 cycles of photopheresis. The FACT-G score showed significant improvement from 64.8 to 72.9 (p < 0.05) and the SF-36 Health Survey showed significant improvement in the emotional well-being subscores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ExP can have a significant therapeutic effect on the skin and quality of life improvement in a selected group of patients with severe AD who are refractory to conventional forms of therapy. However, larger studies are needed to further evaluate its therapeutic potential.

Bicentre experience in the treatment of severe generalised atopic dermatitis with extracorporeal photochemotherapy

Pilot studies have shown an improvement of atopic dermatitis in approximately 65% of patients during extracorporeal photopheresis (ExP) therapy. The purpose of the present clinical trial was to investigate the response to ExP by controlling clinical and laboratory parameters during short term ExP therapy in patients with severe generalised atopic dermatitis. Thirty-five patients with severe, therapy-resistant atopic dermatitis were treated with ExP in an open clinical trial at two week intervals over a period of 6 to 10 cycles. Disease activity was measured before each cycle by SCORAD index together with a standardized protocol for blood samples. ExP led to a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SCORAD from 74.4 +/- 15.5 before to 36.8 +/- 16.8 after ExP therapy (mean 10 cycles). Approximately 70% (24/33 patients = responder) of patients had a favourable response to ExP requiring at least 6 cycles. The decrease in SCORAD was accompanied by a significant decrease of eosinophil cationic protein (27%), sE-selectin (37%) and sIL-2R (53%) levels in serum (p < 0.05). No significant correlation between a decrease in these levels and values of blood eosinophils or lymphocytes was found (p > 0.05). In comparison to responders, most non-responders were characterised by very high levels of total IgE before and during therapy (p < 0.05). The present clinical trial confirms that short term ExP is an effective treatment for certain patients with severe atopic dermatitis based on anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Total IgE could be a predictor of outcome in ExP treatment.