Lung transplantation and extracorporeal photopheresis: The answer to bronchiolitis obliterans?

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a rare condition characterized by narrowing of small airways. Although it can be caused by variety of conditions, most cases occur after lung and bone marrow transplantation in the form of graft-versus-host-disease and chronic rejection, respectively. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has emerged as a promising treatment for the condition, especially for BO after lung transplantation. Available data suggest that around two-thirds of patients may demonstrate either slowing or cessation of disease progression after treatment with ECP. Recent researches also provide interesting insights into possible mechanism of action of ECP in BO.

• Authors: Gordon L Yung, Vanessa Craig
• Journal: Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis (Transfus Apher Sci) Vol. 52 Issue 2 Pg. 162-6 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1473-0502 [Print] England
• PMID: 25881738 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Animals
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Bronchiolitis Obliterans (diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
• Disease Progression
• Graft Rejection (therapy)
• Graft vs Host Disease (therapy)
• Humans
• Immunomodulation
• Lung Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Photopheresis (methods)
• Research Design
• T-Lymphocytes (cytology)
• Treatment Outcome