PHOTOPHERESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Photopheresis is a medical procedure that involves the extracorporeal treatment of blood to treat specific conditions, including some autoimmune disorders and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Also known as extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), it combines elements of phototherapy, a treatment using ultraviolet (UV) light, with apheresis, a process of separating and collecting specific components of blood.
During photopheresis, blood is withdrawn from the patient and passed through an apheresis machine. The machine separates white blood cells from the rest of the blood components and exposes them to a photosensitizing drug, usually 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), which makes the cells more sensitive to UV light. The treated white blood cells are then exposed to UV-A light, activating the drug and causing specific changes in the cells.
These modified cells are subsequently returned to the patient's bloodstream, where they can exert their therapeutic effects. The exact mechanism of action of photopheresis is not fully understood but is believed to involve various immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
Photopheresis has shown efficacy in managing specific conditions like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, GVHD, and graft rejection following solid organ or stem cell transplantation. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects such as transient fever, rash, or hypotension.
Given its effectiveness and relatively low risk profile, photopheresis is emerging as a promising therapeutic option for certain diseases that involve an aberrant immune response. Further research and clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate its applications and potential benefits in other medical conditions.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOPHERESIS
- ohotopheresis
- lhotopheresis
- -hotopheresis
- 0hotopheresis
- pgotopheresis
- pbotopheresis
- pnotopheresis
- pjotopheresis
- puotopheresis
- pyotopheresis
- phitopheresis
- phktopheresis
- phltopheresis
- phptopheresis
- ph0topheresis
- ph9topheresis
- phoropheresis
- phofopheresis
- phogopheresis
- phoyopheresis
Etymology of PHOTOPHERESIS
The word "Photopheresis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "Photo-" and "-phoresis".
1. "Photo-" comes from the Greek word "phos" (φῶς), meaning "light". This root is often used to refer to light-related or light-based phenomena.
2. "-phoresis" is a suffix that also comes from Greek, specifically from the word "phoros" (φορός), which means "a bearing" or "a carrying". The suffix "-phoresis" is often used to denote a process of carrying or transporting.
Combining these two roots, "Photopheresis" refers to a process or a technique that involves light-induced transportation or carrying. In specific medical contexts, it refers to a therapeutic procedure in which white blood cells are treated with ultraviolet irradiation before being reintroduced into the patient's bloodstream.
Similar spelling words for PHOTOPHERESIS
