Immunoadsorption, current status and future developments

The association of abnormalities in the cellular and humoral immune system with various autoimmune diseases provides the rationale for apheresis technologies. While plasmapheresis or plasma exchange is limited by its non-selective removal of all plasma components, modem apheresis techniques aim to provide more specific elimination according to clinical needs and avoid plasma product replacement. However, the commercialisation has not met the expectations in the early 80's and the number of patients treated by extracorporeal immunoadsorption remains small due to a lack of well-defined controlled trials and limited reimbursement. This review highlights the immunological and technical basis for extracorporeal immunoadsorption, as well as its current status in the treatment of immunologically-mediated diseases.