Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Lung Transplantation: Present Applications and Emerging Research

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy currently used as an add-on treatment for the prevention and management of organ rejection in lung transplantation. Thanks to its immunomodulatory properties and its ability to reduce the need for immunosuppressive therapies, ECP presents a promising therapeutic option, especially for high-risk patients with comorbidities, infections, or malignancies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current indications, clinical experience, and ongoing research surrounding the use of ECP in lung transplantation. Additionally, it delves into the current understanding of the mechanism of action of ECP, its potential role in lung transplantation, and the limitations identified in existing studies. By highlighting these aspects, the review aims to lay the groundwork for future research, which could further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this promising therapy and contribute to the standardization of therapeutic protocols.