Therapeutic white blood cell extraction: What you need to know

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Posted by doctors at Oncology Department - Vinmec Time City International General Hospital
Therapeutic leukocyte extraction is an emergency treatment technique that separates peripheral leukocytes from the circulatory system (usually malignant blood cells) using a specialized cell extractor. The goal of this approach is to rapidly reduce leukocytes in the blood to limit the risk of hyperviscosity and embolism.

1. Who needs leukocyte extraction?

White blood cells are a component of blood. They help the body fight infectious diseases and foreign bodies in the blood. However, if the white blood cell count is too high in some hematopoietic cancers, it will cause many dangerous complications. In this situation, therapeutic leukocyte extraction is the preferred treatment technique for patient safety.
It is necessary to perform therapeutic leukocyte extraction in the following cases:
High white blood cell count with symptoms of thrombosis: Consciousness disorder, retinal hemorrhage, suspected pulmonary embolism or signs of ischemia... High white blood cell count with high risk of embolism; High white blood cell count but can't use chemotherapy like pregnant women; WBCs do not decrease after 24 to 48 hours with standard leucopenia with drugs.

2. Who should not perform leukocyte extraction?

Contraindicated for leukocyte extraction therapy in cases of:
Circulatory failure; Severe respiratory failure; Uncontrolled blood clotting disorder; Electrolyte disorders – severe metabolism; Uncooperative.

3. How is leukocyte extraction performed?

The process of performing therapeutic leukocyte extraction includes the following steps:
The patient will have blood tests and imaging tests before performing the technique; Set up an intravenous line and a centrifuge system; Start the machine, install the kit system, select the MNC program; Enter patient parameters, proceed with the steps according to the display screen; Conduct leukocyte extraction; Monitor and handle arising during the running process; Finish leukocyte extraction, remove the kit, turn off the machine. Take blood for testing to evaluate the results.

4. What should be monitored when performing the leukocyte extraction technique?

Most therapeutic leukocyte extraction procedures are safe for the donor/patient, a very few have a few minor events that need to be monitored and treated such as:
Hypotension: Low head position, fluid resuscitation ; Hypocalcaemia: Reduce AC rate and compensate for Calcium; Allergic reactions: Antiallergic drugs; Other complications: Vasculitis, hematoma, air embolism, infection, loss of other blood components... In summary, therapeutic leukocyte extraction is a treatment technique that can help reduce white blood cells rapidly. in the blood to limit the risk of hyperviscosity and embolism. However, to ensure safety and without complications, patients should perform this technique at reputable medical facilities with modern equipment, qualified and experienced doctors.

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References:
Leukocyte extraction technique - Hospital of Blood Transfusion Hematology