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leukocyte pheresis and UC

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/14/2009 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone tried this or heard anything about it? (I think it's also called leukopheresis). From my understanding, it's pherisis is a treatment usually used for kidney patients. In the case of UC, they remove the leukocytes from the blood. Apparently, it's used in Italy, Japan and experiementally in the UK. It's considered a last treatment (I don't know why? anyone?) for inducing remission but seems to have minimal side effects and is considered a good treatment for childrnen because of this. Anyone know if they use this for UC in North America?
Posted 12/15/2009 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Is this the same thing as adacolumn? I know someone on here was in a trial or something...maybe DrA? ::sigh:: I wish I could remember. Maybe try a search using adacolumn.
Posted 12/15/2009 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, that's the device they use for the procedure in some places, I'm not sure if they always do. I know they're using it in Italy (the procedure, not sure about the column) with very good results. I'd love to hear from anyone who's tried this if you're poking around on this site....
Posted 12/15/2009 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Over 3 years ago I was in a phase 3 study for Adacolumn Apheresis here in Toronto. The study was conducted at many locations throughout Canada and the USA. At that time it was already approved in Europe and Japan. I had 10 treatments of the original study and later found out I was on the placebo with no change in my symptoms. After that I had 15 treatments of the real treatment with no improvement in symptoms. After the entire study was over I received a letter saying that the efficiency of the treatment was only slightly better than placebo and as a result it would not be approved for use in Canada or the US at that time.

After talking to my GI he thought there could be several possible reasons for the differences in North America compared to results in Europe and Japan as follows:

a) The test criteria in North America could be far more stringent.

b) The Adacolumn was manufactured at a different factory located in the USA. There may be manufacturing problems.

c) The disease itself could have different variants in different parts of the world and the treatment doesn’t work as well on the North American variant.

My GI said if they find the reason and they can correct it, they may re-test it in North America.
Posted 12/15/2009 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Paul,
darn! Oh well, thanks for your response, it's good to know. I hope you're doing well after your surgery.
Posted 5/31/2014 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone else using apheresis for IBD?
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