Advanced Immunomodulatory Cellular Therapy
Advanced immunomodulatory cellular therapy designed to restore immune balance, reduce inflammation, and provide targeted treatment without generalized immune suppression.
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About Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP)
Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) is an advanced, evidence-based immunomodulatory therapy used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host disease, and certain dermatological and transplant-related conditions. Introduced in the 1980s and approved as a cellular immunotherapy, ECP has become a well-established treatment option for patients who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies. Unlike traditional immunosuppressive treatments, ECP restores immune balance without causing generalized immune suppression. It works by selectively targeting abnormal immune cells, promoting immune tolerance, and reducing harmful inflammation while preserving the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making it a safe and effective long-term treatment option.
How ECP Works
Extracorporeal Photopheresis works by collecting a patient’s white blood cells, treating them with a photosensitizing agent, and exposing them to controlled UVA light before reinfusion.This process selectively modifies abnormal immune cells, promotes immune tolerance, and helps restore balanced immune function without widespread immunosuppression.
The ECP Procedure
The ECP procedure involves collecting white blood cells, photoactivating them with UVA light after medication treatment, and safely reinfusing them to modulate immune response.
White blood cells are carefully collected from the patient using advanced leukapheresis technology under continuous medical supervision.
The collected cells are treated with a photosensitizing medication and exposed to precisely controlled UVA light irradiation.
The photoactivated cells are safely reinfused into the patient to help regulate abnormal immune responses effectively.
The entire procedure is conducted in a controlled clinical environment ensuring maximum safety, precision, and therapeutic effectiveness.
Benefits of ECP Therapy
Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) offers a targeted and effective approach to immune modulation, providing clinical improvement while maintaining overall immune protection. It is widely recognized for its safety profile and long-term therapeutic benefits in autoimmune, dermatological, and transplant-related conditions. By promoting immune tolerance and reducing inflammatory activity, ECP supports sustained disease control with minimal systemic side effects. This therapy is particularly valuable for patients who do not respond adequately to conventional immunosuppressive treatments.
- Targeted Immune Regulation
ECP selectively modifies harmful immune cells, restoring immune balance without causing generalized immunosuppression.
- Reduced Dependence on Steroids
The therapy helps decrease long-term steroid usage, lowering associated side effects and improving patient quality of life.
- Safe and Sustainable Outcomes
ECP demonstrates consistent safety, minimal complications, and durable clinical improvement over extended treatment periods.
Conditions Treated
- Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
ECP is an established treatment for CTCL, helping control skin lesions, reduce disease progression, and improve quality of life.
- Graft-versus-Host Disease
Used in both acute and chronic GVHD, ECP helps regulate immune reactions following stem cell transplantation.
- Systemic Sclerosis
ECP may improve skin involvement and help stabilize immune-related complications in selected patients.
- Severe Autoimmune and Dermatological Disorders
ECP supports treatment in conditions like severe atopic dermatitis and cutaneous lupus by reducing inflammation and immune dysfunction.
Safety & Tolerability
- ECP is generally well tolerated and does not cause widespread immunosuppression, allowing patients to maintain natural immune defense while receiving treatment.
- Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or lightheadedness, with serious complications being rare under proper medical supervision.
Why Choose Our Hospital for ECP?
Our hospital offers advanced ECP technology, experienced specialists, and comprehensive safety protocols, ensuring personalized, effective, and carefully monitored treatment for every patient.
Our experienced multidisciplinary team provides thorough evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and continuous monitoring throughout the therapy process.
Strict clinical protocols, dedicated nursing care, and comprehensive laboratory support ensure maximum safety, precision, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Margaret Chellaraj
MD DM. Chief of Hematology ( Former HOD of Hematology , Madras Medical College , and Chief Haematologist RGGGH.
Dr. Steve Thomas
MD( CMC , Vellore) DM ( AIIMS ) Consultant Hematologist and BMt Physician
Dr. M. Srikanth
MD MRCP (UK) FRCPath ( UK) CGT( UK )
Senior Consultant Hematologist and CAR-T Cell Therapy Specialist
Dr. Jesu Pandian
MD ( Path ) DNB ( Hematology) BMT Physician
Dr. A.R.Jaswanthini
MD , DNB , Clinical Hematology .
Consultant Hematolgist , Paediatric Hemato Oncologist and BMT Physician .
Dr. Anuraga Srinivasan
MD FNB( CMC), Trannfusion Medicine and Clinical Hematologist
Dr.SP.Ganesan
MBBS DCP , Clinical Pathologist
Dr.Keerthi
MD Microbiology
Mrs. Hemachithra
BMT Coordinator
MrsVijayalakshmi
Customer Support and COO
Healing Stories from Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ECP is an advanced cellular therapy that modifies abnormal immune cells to help treat autoimmune, dermatological, and transplant-related conditions.
It involves collecting white blood cells, treating them with a photosensitizing agent, exposing them to UVA light, and reinfusing them to regulate immune function.
Yes, ECP is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects and does not cause widespread immune suppression.
Each session typically lasts two to four hours and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Improvement is often seen within several weeks, depending on the condition and individual response to therapy.