Step 1
An IV line is inserted into your arm. Blood is then withdrawn by the photopheresis instrument.
Step 2
This blood enters the photopheresis instrument, which separates the white blood cells involved in the immune response from the other components of your blood. The white blood cells remain in the instrument.
Step 3
A medication, Methoxsalen Sterile Solution, is added to the separated white blood cells.
Step 4
These white blood cells are exposed to UVA light, which activates the medication.
Step 5
The treated white blood cells are then returned to your body.
Typical treatment times vary, and can range from 1 and a half to 3 hours.
Risks associated with the procedure include a drop in blood pressure, fever, or worsening of skin redness, which usually resolves in 1 day.
The following image illustrates the 5 steps:
THERAKOS™ Photopheresis is given in repeated treatments.
Although treatment schedules may vary, a typical schedule involves 2 consecutive days, once a month, for 6 months, and with continued therapy the effect may improve.
Your doctor will decide on a treatment schedule that is best suited to your medical needs.
Specially designed for medical professionals to use in their practice.
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Indications
Methoxsalen Sterile Solution is indicated for extracorporeal administration with the THERAKOS™ UVAR XTS® or THERAKOS™ CELLEX® Photopheresis System in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment.
Methoxsalen is not appropriate for patients who have had a reaction to psoralen compounds, patients who have had a light sensitive disease, or patients with an absence of one or both lenses of the eye.
THERAKOS™ Photopheresis is not appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate blood volume changes or patients with blood clotting disorders. See Important Safety Information for additional details.
