Photopheresis (ECP)

Once referred, you will be given an outpatient appointment with the consultant in charge of photopheresis. They will assess your suitability for treatment. This will include:

• reviewing your medical history 
• reviewing your drug history
• taking a Pruritus (itch) score
• conducting eye, skin, mouth and gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) assessments
• conducting a joint assessment, if needed
• baseline respiratory functions test, if required 
• baseline medical images 

An ECP nurse will explain photopheresis to you and show you around the unit. 

When you arrive, you will sit in a comfortable chair. The nurses will insert a cannula, or use your PICC line or Hickman line for your treatment.

During each appointment, a nurse will check your bloods and assess your symptoms to make sure you are fit for treatment. This includes taking your:

• blood pressure
• temperature
• heart rate

A nurse will connect you to the machine. Your blood will then be collected to separate your blood cells. 

Your white blood cells are treated with a drug which is activated by ultraviolet light to destroy the abnormal immune cells. The treated cells are then returned back to you.

The treatment usually takes between 2 to 3 hours.

You may feel weak or dizzy during or immediately after the procedure. This is due to a slight drop in blood pressure. This is more common if you have not had enough fluids before the treatment. 

You should wear sunglasses with UV protection when you're outside or under bright lights for 24 hours after the procedure. You should also use sunblock (SPF 50) on exposed skin.

Side effects of the treatment can include:

• bruising and bleeding
• fever
• tiredness 

At your 3 month review, your consultant will assess your response to treatment. If the treatment has had a good response, the gap between treatments may be extended.