Apheresis and starting-material collection
Apheresis is collecting a patient's white blood cells through a machine over several hours. Every autologous CAR-T begins here, and the quality of these cells shapes the final product.
Leukapheresis on Terumo BCT Spectra Optia or Fresenius Kabi Amicus/LOVO devices collects mononuclear cells at qualified centres; T-cell fitness at collection (affected by prior chemotherapy, bendamustine, and disease burden) predicts CAR-T expansion and response. Slot availability at apheresis units is a hidden bottleneck for CAR-T access, and standardisation of collection protocols is part of every sponsor's site qualification.
How it works
Continuous-flow centrifugation separates mononuclear cells from returning blood; product is characterised (CD3 count, viability) and shipped fresh or cryopreserved to manufacturing.
- Mature hospital procedure
- Same devices serve stem-cell transplant
- Capacity at treatment centres
- Variable T-cell fitness after prior therapy
- Timing conflicts with bridging therapy
Latest papers
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