Photopheresis and the role of the nurse.

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP, photopheresis) is a form of pheresis therapy approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for treating the systemic manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Increasing evidence suggests that it may also be useful in treating many immune-related diseases, as well as in preventing and treating organ transplant rejection. Because the precise mechanism of action for photopheresis has not been clearly defined, research to determine future applications for this treatment is needed. It is important for dermatology nurses to understand photopheresis, to whom it is given, the nursing care for patients receiving photopheresis, and the current research and potential applications of this therapy.