Increasingly, patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are undergoing collection procedures for cell and gene therapies. But collecting stem cells from these patients poses specific challenges. To improve outcomes, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies recently worked with Boston Children’s Hospital on a data-based approach.
The presence of sickle red blood cells (RBCs) can alter blood separation dynamics. Plus, cell collection via apheresis is an inherently variable process, requiring a high level of operator expertise. Data analytics, though, can guide operator performance during the procedure. In the Boston Children’s Hospital scenario, using Spectra Optia® Apheresis System data, patient data, and collected product data, the team improved CD34+ collection efficiency and increased hematopoietic stem cell yield.
Spectra Optia stores run data files on the device hard drive, and this information can be accessed by analysts at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies via the Cadence® Data Collection System. The data can then be used to:
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Understand procedure performance
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Help with collection optimization
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Uncover sources of low collection efficiency
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Discover variations in blood separation based on specific disease states
The bottom line: Data analytics holds great promise for improving collection outcomes for patients with SCD.
Source
Lewandowski S, Howard C, Justus D, Manis J. Spectra Optia® Apheresis System collection data drives an increase in hematopoietic stem cell and CD34+ collection efficiency for sickle cell disease patient procedures. Poster presented at: ASFA 2003.