Get Off on the Right Foot: How to Plan an Efficient Leukocytapheresis to Collect T Cells for CAR T-Cell Manufacturing

BACKGROUND: The major drug regulatory agencies have approved chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for the treatment of some B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. Their use is expanding, and new indications will be approved. Efficient mononuclear cell collection by apheresis providing enough T cells is a critical step in further CAR T-cell manufacturing process. It is important that apheresis units are prepared for the collection of the required T cells for manufacturing with the highest efficiency and safety for the patient. SUMMARY: Several series have studied different characteristics that could influence the collection efficiency of T cells for CAR T-cell manufacturing. Also, an effort has been made to identify predictors of the total number of target cells collected. Despite these publications and the large number of ongoing clinical trials, consensus protocols in apheresis are scarce. KEY MESSAGES: The aim of this review was to summarize the set of measures described to optimize apheresis and ensure patient safety. Moreover, we also propose, in a practical approach, a way to apply this knowledge to the daily routine in the apheresis unit.