Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Heart Transplantation: From Salvage Therapy to Immunosuppression-Sparing Strategy

The authors investigate the role of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in heart transplantation, questioning its potential as an immunosuppression-sparing strategy amidst challenges like acute and chronic rejection. They review the immunologic mechanisms, clinical evidence, and applications of ECP, emphasizing its safety and underutilization, particularly in high-risk patients. The paper also identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to better define ECP's role in contemporary transplant practices.