Have you or someone you know been told by a doctor that you have a blood cancer like leukemia? You may have heard the word "leukapheresis" when talking about treatment options. This name can be a bit scary. But what exactly is this treatment? What does it do? Is it something to be afraid of? Today, we'll talk about all of this in a very simple way that you can understand.
What is Leukapheresis?
Simply put, leukapheresis is a special procedure that selectively removes white blood cells from your blood. Think of it like a blood purifier. Here's what happens during this process:
1. Some blood is taken out of your body.
2. The blood is sent to a special machine, where only the white blood cells are separated.
3. The remaining parts of the blood, namely red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, are returned to your own body.
The important thing is that this is not a cure for diseases like blood cancer. Doctors usually use this treatment in combination with other treatments (for example, chemotherapy).
In what cases is this treatment necessary?
Doctors may recommend this treatment for several reasons. Let's take a look at what they are.
| When treatment is needed | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| For some types of leukemia | This treatment is used if you have a condition such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and your white blood cell count is too high. When there are too many white blood cells, blood vessels can become "clogged," putting your heart at risk. |
| To collect cells for other treatments | Modern treatments like CAR T-cell therapy require healthy white blood cells. This method uses your own cells to get those cells. |
| To transplant stem cells | This method is used to collect healthy stem cells from yourself before undergoing a stem cell/bone marrow transplant for certain cancers, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma. |
| As a stem cell donor | If you are a stem cell donor to someone else, these cells are also obtained from your body in this same way. |
What do you do before treatment?
Before starting this treatment, the doctor will do a few tests to determine exactly what is going on with your body. These are normal, so don't worry.
- Blood tests: Check your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet levels.
- Electrolyte tests: Check the body's salt levels.
- Kidney and liver function: Checks whether these organs are working properly.
- Blood clotting tests: These check the blood's ability to clot.
Since this treatment will take about two to three hours, you may want to wear comfortable clothing. It's also a good idea to bring a book to read or something to watch on your phone to keep you occupied.
What happens during treatment?
This treatment is done while you lie down on a comfortable bed. The medical staff will put two IV lines (cannulas) in your arms. One will take blood out of your body, and the other will put the cleaned blood back into your body. Sometimes, a large tube (central line) with both lines may be placed near your neck or under your arm.
During the treatment, you may feel a little tingling in your hands, feet, and around your mouth . Don't worry about this. This is because your blood calcium level is slightly low. Tell the doctor or nurse as soon as you feel this. They will give you some calcium through your saline and this will quickly correct the situation.
Let's also learn about the after-treatment and side effects.
Even after the treatment is over, the doctors will monitor you for a while to see what's going on. Sometimes, you may need to have a blood transfusion to replace the lost red blood cells or platelets.
As with any treatment, minor side effects can occur. However, serious side effects are very rare. There is nothing to worry about as the doctor will monitor the entire process closely.
Common side effects include:
- Hypocalcemia: This is a low level of calcium in the blood. This is easily treated with IV calcium.
- Anemia: A decrease in red blood cell count. This can also be treated with a blood transfusion if necessary.
- Thrombocytopenia: A decrease in platelets, which help blood clot. This can sometimes cause bleeding to take a while to stop, even from a minor injury.
On the day of the treatment, it is best to go home and rest for a while. You can resume your normal activities the next day.
When should I call the doctor?
Since you are undergoing this treatment, your doctor will be constantly monitoring your health, as will you. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
- Fever: If your body temperature is higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit), this could be a sign of an infection.
- Changes in the IV line site: If you have a central line, the site is red, swollen, painful, or has fluid coming out of it.
- Worsening of symptoms: If your old symptoms seem to be getting worse or new symptoms appear.
Take-Home Message
- Leukapheresis is a procedure that removes abnormal or excessive amounts of white blood cells from the blood.
- Although this is not a complete cure for diseases like leukemia, it is a very important process to quickly control symptoms and support other treatments.
- This process also collects stem cells and uses them for treatments such as bone marrow transplants.
- The treatment takes a few hours and is generally safe. Side effects, such as low calcium levels, can occur, but they are managed at the time.
- If you notice a fever, pain at the site of the IV line, or worsening of symptoms after treatment, notify your doctor immediately.
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