Apheresis

Apheresis (Component Blood Collection)

In dendritic cell vaccine therapy, about 100 ml of blood is typically required for each treatment.
However, by performing apheresis, enough cells can be collected in one session for 6 to 10 doses of dendritic cell vaccine.

This method collects only the necessary white blood cells, while red blood cells and platelets are returned to the body.
Since a fluid replacement is given during the procedure, fluid loss is minimal.

When combined with chemotherapy, it can sometimes be difficult to collect healthy immune cells due to low white blood cell counts or anemia.
However, if apheresis is performed early in the treatment while the patient is still in good condition, a large number of healthy immune cells can be collected effectively.