Blood 'bath' with light may stop transplant complication

NCT ID NCT03204721

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Oslo University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a procedure called extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) could prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in 158 people receiving stem cell transplants for blood cancers. ECP involves removing white blood cells, treating them with a light-sensitive drug and UV light, then returning them to the patient. The goal was to see if this could lower the chance of GVHD, a serious complication where donor cells attack the patient's body.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) with 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A light
What this could lead to: If it works, ECP could become a standard preventive treatment to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplants.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results are not yet widely confirmed. ECP is a complex procedure and may not work for everyone. The trial was not blinded, which could bias results.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hematopoietic and lymphoid system neoplasm graft versus host disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tobias Gedde-Dhl

Oslo, Norway

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