PARENTERAL ADMINISTRATION OF 8-METHOXYPSORALEN IN PHOTOPHERESIS

Background. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (EP) is used for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), pemphigus vulgaris, and rheumatoid arthritis. During this procedure, the oral administration of the photoactive drug 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) results in an unpredictable range of serum levels and in side effects limiting its efficacy. Objective: To circumvent this limitation, extracorporeally administrable 8-MOP (EX-8-MOP) was developed. It is administered directly to the leukocyte/plasma concentrate in the treatment bag of the EP apparatus before irradiation with UVA light. Methods: Efficacy, tolerance, and side effects of EX-8-MOP were evaluated in 108 consecutive treatments of 16 patients who had previously been treated with oral 8-MOP (91 treatments). Results. With EX-8-MOP constant drug levels for UV light exposure were obtained; for equivalent levels only a small fraction of the oral dose (1/250 to 1/500) was required with none of the side effects associated with oral 8-MOP. Effective and reproducible inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and cell viability was attained. No difference in clinical efficacy could be observed. Conclusion: EX-8-MOP eliminates the need for premedication and drug level monitoring of 8-MOP and should improve the effectiveness of EP.