Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor gene-transfected T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a treatment for relapsed/refractory CD19+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and follicular lymphoma. In order to start CAR-T therapy, we established a centralized management system for cell collection, preparation, freezing, storage, shipping, and product receipt centered on the Blood Transfusion Department, and performed cell collection for the first case in January 2022. We have conducted 10 cases of lymphocyte collection and product receipt over a 15-month period. We performed a backward-looking analysis of our case experience to calculate collection efficiency. We found that the number of CD3+ lymphocytes in peripheral blood and the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly correlated with the total number of CD3+ lymphocytes. A significant correlation was also observed between the total CD3+ lymphocyte count and the total number of nucleated cells. On the other hand, hemoglobin level, peripheral blood CD3+ lymphocyte count, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, platelet count, age, and collection efficiency showed no significant correlation. Through this verification, it became clear that although the number of biomedical laboratory scientist in our transfusion department is compact, with only two CAR-T therapy support stuffs among them, they are able to perform their work efficiently and safely. It was also clear that the centralized management system is an efficient system that allows physicians to concentrate on establishing a system of medical care coordination with the referring institution and on treatment. We will continue to accumulate data and aim for safer and more efficient operation.
