Game Changer: Extracorporeal Photopheresis for the Prevention of Rejection After Lung Transplantation-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) is an autologous cell-based immunotherapy utilized to treat various chronic inflammatory disorders, including chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)—the leading cause of lung transplant failure one year after engraftment. Although growing evidence suggests that ECP can slow the loss or stabilize lung allograft function, treatment is often initiated only after irreversible damage to the graft has occurred. These observations have led to the notion that ECP prophylaxis could be effective in reducing the risk of CLAD development. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of Benazzo and colleagues, who conducted the first randomized clinical trial of ECP prophylaxis in lung transplant recipients. The group reports that ECP prophylaxis for 11 weeks post-transplantation reduces the frequency of acute cellular rejection episodes and lowers the risk of CLAD.