OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate immunomodulation with extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) in patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.
II. Investigate the effect of ECP on lymphocyte activity.
PROTOCOL OUTLINE: Oral methoxsalen (8-MOP) is administered 90 minutes prior to leukapheresis. Blood mononuclear cells are exposed to ultraviolet A light for 3 hours, then returned to the patient. The process is repeated on 2 successive days.
Patients are re-treated every 3 to 4 weeks for a total of 6 treatments or until the skin has cleared.