Therapeutic Apheresis Using a β2-Microglobulin Removal Column Reduces Circulating Tumor Cell Count

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nephrology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Elevated serum β2-microglobulin (β2M) indicates impaired kidney function and is linked to diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
• High β2M levels can promote cancer metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
• The therapeutic value of targeting β2M for cancer treatment is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Filtor, a polymethyl methacrylate fiber-based β2M removal column.
• To determine if Filtor can reduce β2M levels and inhibit cancer cell-induced EMT and metastasis.
• To assess the impact of Filtor on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a measure of metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Therapeutic apheresis was performed using the Filtor column on three patients with advanced cancers.
• Patients included those with sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
• Serum β2M levels and CTC counts were measured before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• Serum β2M levels and CTC counts significantly decreased immediately and 4 weeks post-treatment.
• A marked reduction in CTC count was observed immediately after apheresis, suggesting direct trapping of CTCs by Filtor.
• The study demonstrated successful reduction of β2M and CTCs, indicating potential anti-metastatic effects.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic apheresis with Filtor effectively lowers serum β2M and CTC counts.
• Filtor shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis and recurrence by directly removing CTCs.
• Targeting β2M with Filtor represents a potential new strategy in cancer therapy.