Comparing leukapheresis protocols for an AML patient with symptomatic leukostasis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy characterized by rapid clonal proliferation of myeloid precursors, which can result in hyperleukocytosis. Leukapheresis can be used to rapidly reduce the white blood cell count (WBC). However, the only FDA cleared device for WBC depletion, the COBE Spectra, will no longer be supported by the manufacturer in 2017, and there are few studies comparing different methods of leukapheresis.

A 68-year-old African American female was admitted to the hospital for relapse of her AML. Laboratory data demonstrated a WBC count of 291 600/μL and flow cytometry of the peripheral blood demonstrated 85% myeloid blasts. Leukapheresis was ordered to help treat the leukostasis.

Three different apheresis protocols were used to achieve cytoreduction: Spectra Optia mononuclear collection (MNC) protocol, Spectra Optia granulocyte collection (PMN) protocol, and Therakos CELLEX buffy coat collection without return. Due to different inlet flow rates, the procedures were evaluated based on the number of WBCs collected and volume of blood processed (VBP).

The Spectra Optia PMN collected the most WBCs and collected nearly as many WBCs per VBP as the Therakos CELLEX, which had the highest value.

To our knowledge, we are reporting the first use of Therakos CELLEX and Spectra Optia PMN protocol for WBC depletion. While the Spectra Optia granulocyte protocol showed the best performance for this AML patient, further studies will be needed to compare the Spectra Optia PMN protocol to the MNC protocol for AML patients.