Investigation of ECP in the treatment of aGVHD in paediatric patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into the mechanism of action, development of thymopoiesis and assessment of quality of life in a cohort of paediatric patients with acute GvHD treated with ECP
IRAS ID
190331
Contact name
Andrew Gennery
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 2 days
Research summary
The thymus is a small organ that lies behind the sternum. It plays an important role in the defense against infections, as well as protecting against autoimmunity. Specifically, the thymus controls the production and development of T cells, a process called thymopoiesis. T cells are a type of white blood cell, important in defending against infection, especially viral and fungal infections.
Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) is a complication that can occur following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) when the donor cells attack the recipient’s body as they recognise that it is foreign. The donor cells attack certain parts of the recipient’s body such as the skin, gut or liver. The donor cells also attack the thymus and disrupt the normal process of T cell development. This means that aGvHD can impair the formation of a normal immune system following stem cell transplantation.
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is treatment for aGvHD when a patient does not respond to steroids or is dependent on steroids. Steroids and other medications used in the treatment of aGvHD can damage the thymus and suppress the immune system further, therefore increasing the risk of infection more. ECP does not suppress the immune system and appears to act on just the attacking donor cells. The purpose of this study is to understand how ECP works, the effects that it has on different white blood cells in the body and how the treatment affects the quality of life of the patients and their families. By understanding the mechanisms behind ECP, it may allow us in the future to tailor therapies to the specific needs of each patient, to extend the use of this therapy to other patients, to develop new treatments for patients, as well as understanding how ECP affects the quality of life for patients and families.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
16/SS/0019
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion