Apheresis Cell Collection

Cellular therapy & apheresis

Your doctor has recommended that you have a type of white blood cell, called lymphocyte, collected from your blood to produce an immune effector cell therapy. Immune effector cells are a new type of cancer therapy. They use the body's own immune system to target and to kill cancer cells. These cells will be collected from your blood using a therapy called leukapheresis.

The apheresis machine will remove blood through your central catheter, a special tube which accesses the blood. The apheresis machine will remove the white blood cells from the blood and return the rest of the blood through the catheter. About 250 ml of blood will be processed in the machine at any time. The collection will take between 4-5 hours. After enough blood is processed, the cells will be shipped to a special laboratory where they will be genetically engineered to target your cancer.

During the treatment, your blood will be mixed with a blood thinner called citrate to prevent clotting in the machine. The blood thinner may make you have a numb or tingling feeling around your mouth, fingers, or toes. Notify your nurse if you feel this sensation so you can be treated.

Continue to take your usual medications while undergoing cell collection. You can also bring snacks to eat during cell collection. Wear comfortable clothes.

As in any cell collection procedure, a variety of reactions may occur which include fainting, dizziness, or nausea. You may also feel tired after the collection.

Oncology Infusion is a treatment area. There are also other patients undergoing other types of treatments. We ask you to respect all patients' privacy.

Please ask any questions before, during or after the collection. In addition to providing you with safe and efficient collections, we want your apheresis experience to be as effortless as possible.