Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) service is indicated for the management of steroids-refractory Cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is a cell-based immunomodulatory therapy performed via intravenous access, comprising three stages: leukapheresis, photoactivation and reinfusion. Blood is passed through multiple cycles of leukapheresis. At the end of the each leukapheresis cycle, the red blood cells and plasma are returned to the patient. Only a small percentage (approximately 10%) of leukocytes is collected from peripheral blood. These white blood cells are incubated with a photosensitising agent, methoxsalen (UVADEX®), and are then exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation, after which the treated cells are reinfused back to the patient.

Description of Medical Condition

CTCL is a rare type of lymphoma characterised by the accumulation of malignant T-cells in the skin resulting in raised, rash-like or itchy patches of skin, skin lumps or ulcers and swollen lymph nodes.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic

Previous Application Number/s

1420

Associated Documentation

Application Form

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Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 560 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 70 KB)

PICO Confirmation

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Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 604 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 153 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

N/A

ESC

13-14 February 2020

MSAC

3 April 2020