Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital has introduced apheresis services for the treatment of blood cancer and autoimmune neurological diseases. The apheresis procedure aims to alleviate and reduce the symptoms experienced by patients. This procedure is carried out by internal medicine specialists who are consultants in hematology-medical oncology (Sp.PD-KHOM).
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Understanding Apheresis for Blood Cancer and Autoimmune Neurological Patients
To better understand the apheresis procedure, it’s helpful to first learn about the components of blood.
Blood consists of four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Sometimes, to treat certain conditions, one of these components must be removed or modified through a procedure called apheresis.
The blood components that are removed or modified are tailored to the patient’s specific condition and needs. Apheresis uses a centrifuge machine to separate the blood into its components based on density, starting with the densest—red blood cells—followed by white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Using sterile equipment, doctors direct the target blood component into a collection bag, while the remaining components are returned to the patient through a needle inserted into a vein. The collected component in the bag will then be modified according to the patient’s condition.
Apheresis for Blood Cancer and Autoimmune Neurological Disease Therapy
Apheresis is divided into several types, depending on the patient’s medical condition. The type used for blood cancer is called leukapheresis, while the one for autoimmune neurological diseases is called plasmapheresis.
Leukapheresis for Blood Cancer Therapy
Leukapheresis is a type of apheresis used to remove white blood cells from the blood of patients with blood cancer. This procedure helps relieve symptoms caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells.
In patients with blood cancer, the number of white blood cells can increase excessively (leukocytosis). Blood cancers that may cause elevated white blood cell levels include:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
These conditions cause abnormal increases in white blood cells, which can replace healthy cells and result in disruptive symptoms.
Through leukapheresis, doctors can remove excess white blood cells from the patient’s blood and help reduce symptoms.
Plasmapheresis for Autoimmune Neurological Diseases
Autoimmune neurological diseases, such as severe cases of myasthenia gravis (MG) that result in an MG crisis, can also be treated with apheresis. This procedure, known as plasmapheresis, involves removing plasma containing the antibodies responsible for the autoimmune response and replacing it with a substitute fluid.
Also called plasma exchange, this procedure can help reduce the severity of MG symptoms.
Apheresis Procedure
Here is a general overview of how the apheresis procedure is performed for blood cancer and autoimmune neurological conditions:
- The patient is asked to sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a bed.
- The doctor inserts needles into a vein in each of the patient’s arms.
- Each needle is connected to a catheter (a thin, flexible tube). In some cases, a central venous catheter may be used.
- One catheter draws the blood from the patient to the centrifuge machine, where blood components are separated.
- The remaining components are returned to the patient’s body through the catheter in the other arm.
The Expert Apheresis Team at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital has a team of Sp.PD-KHOM doctors with expertise in performing apheresis procedures for blood cancer and autoimmune neurological disease therapy, including:
1. dr. Toman T.J Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Toman T.J Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM is an experienced hematology-medical oncology consultant specializing in cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
He earned his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), specialized in Hematology-Medical Oncology at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, and completed an Honorary Fellowship (Clinical Observership) at the Department of Hematology, National University Hospital.
dr. Toman has also attended various international training programs, including the Comprehensive Board Review in Hematology-Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, USA, and the ESH-EHA Haematological Tutorial on Diagnostic Work-up with a focus on Acute Malignancies in Cascais, Portugal.
Available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2. dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM is also a hematology-medical oncology consultant skilled in various cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
He completed his medical education, internal medicine specialty, and hematology-medical oncology consultant training at the University of Indonesia.
Available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If you are considering apheresis for the treatment of blood cancer or autoimmune neurological diseases, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital and consult with Dr. Toman or Dr. Alvin.
To make your visit easier, use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or the App Store to check your queue number, schedule appointments, and get full service information.
