Photopheresis (ECP)

Photopheresis

Photopheresis is one method of apheresis therapy offered at the Stanford Cancer Center.

The treatment is also called extracorporeal ("out of the body") photochemotherapy (ECP) because it involves a light-activated drug, such as psoralen, that enters the patient's bloodstream. The patient's blood is then circulated out of the body where it is exposed to light, activating the drug before it reenters the body.

Stanford expertise

Photopheresis is most commonly used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), such as mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

The Stanford Multispecialty Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic (CLC) is a leading center of excellence for managing patients with CTCL. As such, it has access to multiple photopheresis units and extensive experience with this procedure.