LEACKT
We developed local express auto-cytokine therapy (LEACKT) in the late 1990s. The rationale behind the technique was first explained and in-depth analysis was performed by Evgeniya A. Kasparova in her dissertation on local express auto-cytokine therapy for disorders of the anterior segment of the eye in 2001. And in 2005, together with researchers from the D.I. Ivanovskiy Institute of Virology, professor A.A. Kasparov, Evgeniya A. Kasparova and their co-authors developed guidelines for ophthalmologists based on her dissertation.
The outcomes were reported on numerous occasions at conferences in Russia and Europe (for more information, click List of our publications) –HYPERLINK – OUR SCHOLARLY WORK – RESEARCH ARTICLES
LEACKT boosts the efficacy of other treatment modalities (up to 70%) used for severe forms of herpes simplex keratitis, especially when the endothelium is involved (keratouveitis).
LEACKT is based on in vivo cell preparations from autologous cells collected from peripheral blood and activated with an immunomodulator, Poludan. This enables local production of interferons (-α, -β and -γ) and other cytokines, such as interleukins (IL) and TNF.
LEACKT has two subtypes: external and intracameral.
External LEACKT
- Indications: epithelial and stromal lesions in the cornea
- persisting and frequently recurrent herpes simplex keratitis
- complicated adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis
- 1-2 degree thermal and chemical burns
- slow reepithelization after excimer laser surgery
- Technique: subconjunctival injections of autologous activated blood with the remaining preparation used topically. LEACKT can be repeated if needed, based on disease progression and recovery speed.
Intracameral LEACKT
- Indications: endothelial and stromal lesions in the cornea
- endothelial forms of herpes keratouveitis
- early (up to 4 months) postoperative bullous keratopathy after cataract or glaucoma surgery
- acute keratoconus (first suggested by Elizaveta A. Kasparova in her dissertation in 2001)
- recent penetrating corneal injuries associated with minor damage to the anterior lens capsule.
- Technique: the transparent fraction of a special preparation of Poludan-activated autologous mononuclear cells is injected into the anterior chamber. Depending on the patient’s condition, LEACKT can be repeated up to 4 times.
LEACKT is a patented knowhow technique.
Clinical cases
External LEACKT
Patient I. with frequent recurrences of herpes simplex keratitis (immediately after LEACKT). UCVA=BCVA 20⁄80 OS.
The same patient (3 days after external LEACKT). UCVA=BCVA >20⁄25 OS.
