Our Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology Successfully Performs Platelet Apheresis for Essential

New Technology Introduced | Our Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology Successfully Performs Platelet Apheresis for Essential Thrombocythemia

On September 24, the Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology at the Lanzhou Campus of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital (Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center) performed platelet apheresis (platelet depletion) on a patient with essential thrombocythemia (ET) using a German‑made FRESENIUS KABI‑9008021/COM.TEC blood purification and separation system (blood cell separator and blood component separator).

Preoperative blood count: platelets (Plt) 841×10⁹/L, white blood cells (WBC) 13.82×10⁹/L, hemoglobin (Hb) 84 g/L.

The apheresis procedure lasted 185 minutes, processing a total circulating whole blood volume of 8,273 mL, and ultimately yielded 299 mL of concentrated platelets. The separated platelet concentrate contained numerous clots, cord‑like flocculent material, and sediment.

Postoperative blood count (September 25): platelets (Plt) 279×10⁹/L, white blood cells (WBC) 12.08×10⁹/L, hemoglobin (Hb) 83 g/L. D‑dimer levels decreased significantly.

Platelet apheresis enabled the patient to rapidly pass through the high tumor burden phase. Clinical symptoms including chest tightness, chest pain, dizziness, and finger numbness improved significantly. The procedure avoided the occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy and reduced the risk of serious complications such as sudden thrombotic and embolic events, acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, sudden cardiac death, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — allowing the patient to safely enter the next phase of consolidation therapy.

After the procedure, when the patient and family members saw the large amount of clots and sediment in the separated platelet fluid, they could not help but exclaim in amazement! They expressed sincere gratitude and praise for our timely emergency treatment measures addressing the patient's progressively rising platelet count, our advanced blood purification technology, and our warm service attitude.

Clinical Application of Blood Cell Apheresis (Indications)

Blood cell apheresis is a physical therapeutic technique designed based on the principles of "gravitational hemotherapy." It is an emergency intervention for patients with hyperleukocytic leukemia and myeloproliferative hematologic malignancies. It represents the clinical application of surgical techniques in hematology.

1. Correction of Abnormal Blood Components:

① Hyperleukocytosis in acute and chronic leukemia; ② Essential thrombocythemia (ET); ③ Postoperative reactive thrombocytosis (e.g., after splenectomy); ④ Polycythemia vera (PV); ⑤ High‑altitude compensatory erythrocytosis; ⑥ Red blood cell disorders such as malaria and sickle cell disease; ⑦ Secondary hyperleukocytosis in malignant tumors (leukemoid reaction); ⑧ Secondary erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis.

2. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Collection:

Circulating collection of CD34+ cells from peripheral blood for autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo‑ASCT) for hematologic malignancies including lymphoma (HL, NHL), acute/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute non‑lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), multiple myeloma (MM), aplastic anemia (AA), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

3. Immune Cell Collection:

CAR‑T cell‑based biological therapy for hematologic diseases.

4. Plasma Exchange/Adsorption:

Symptomatic treatment for various blood disorders.

① Hematologic and neoplastic diseases: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), transplantation‑related high antibody titers, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after CAR‑T therapy, hyperviscosity syndrome, multiple myeloma, primary macroglobulinemia, heavy chain disease (removal of abnormally proliferating monoclonal immunoglobulins), etc.

② Exogenous toxin poisoning: pesticide poisoning, insect venom, snake venom, etc.

③ Renal failure toxin removal: various uremic toxins.

④ Hepatic failure toxin removal: various liver failure‑related toxins, endotoxins, bilirubin, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperlipidemia.

⑤ Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, pemphigus, scleroderma, psoriasis.

⑥ Neurological disorders: Guillain‑Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis.

⑦ Pre‑organ transplantation preparation.

5. Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) Collection:

Osteoarthritis and rapid wound healing promotion.

① Bone and cartilage defect repair; ② Prevention of bone infection; ③ Acute and chronic sports injuries; ④ Acute wounds; ⑤ Chronic non‑healing wounds; ⑥ Skin fat liquefaction; ⑦ Oral‑related surgery; ⑧ Burn wounds and non‑healing pressure ulcer wounds; ⑨ Fat grafting; ⑩ Skin tissue regeneration.

6. Double‑Filtration Plasmapheresis for Metabolic Syndrome – Hyperlipidemia:

Blood purification/lipid adsorption removal therapy.

Department of Medical Oncology / Hematology

Department Introduction

The Department of Medical Oncology / Hematology at the Lanzhou Campus of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital was established in May 2025 as a regional specialty department. The department features a well-structured professional team, mature diagnostic and treatment techniques, and comprehensive equipment. It includes a specialized inpatient ward, outpatient clinic, and a Hematology Center Laboratory. The inpatient unit is equipped with 30 fixed beds, one cell apheresis treatment bed, and two Class 100 laminar flow beds. The department specializes in the precise diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, as well as solid tumors including lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. It excels in the management of refractory and relapsed cases and the treatment of complications arising from radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Leveraging MICM-based precise diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and laminar flow wards, the department provides refined medical care and comprehensive, full-cycle health support to safeguard the health of the regional population.

Physician Team

The department is led by Professor Pan Ming, a First‑Grade Chief Physician and Chief Expert. The medical team consists of 12 healthcare professionals, including 1 chief physician, 1 associate chief physician, 1 attending physician, and 3 resident physicians (among whom 1 holds a Ph.D. and 3 hold master’s degrees), along with 6 charge nurses and registered nurses. The team has a well-structured talent echelon with solid professional expertise. With extensive clinical experience in the field of oncology and hematology, the team skillfully applies cutting-edge techniques such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine to precisely diagnose and treat various benign and malignant tumors and hematologic disorders. With rigorous medical skill, they customize individualized treatment plans for each patient, safeguarding their health.

Treatment Philosophy

Patient-centered, precision‑focused, and efficacy‑driven. The department places equal emphasis on professional diagnosis/treatment and humanistic care. Relying on advanced technology and standardized practices, it provides every patient with individualized, refined, and compassionate medical services, dedicating responsibility and expertise to protecting patients’ lives and health.

Medical Resources

The Hematology Center Laboratory provides same‑day diagnostic services through bone marrow cell morphology analysis and also offers MICM‑based precision typing technologies including bone marrow pathology, flow cytometry, chromosome analysis, and mutation gene testing. The inpatient unit is equipped with standardized laminar flow wards, providing a safe and clean environment for high‑dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The department routinely performs cutting-edge procedures such as blood cell separation apheresis, plasma exchange, and adult unrelated cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With advanced equipment and comprehensive technical capabilities, the department provides solid hardware and technical support for precise diagnosis and treatment as well as the management of severe and complex conditions.

Address: 11th Floor, Inpatient Building, Lanzhou Campus of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital (No. 100 Yanbei Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City)

Writer: Pan Ming

First Review: Liu Qiong

Second Review: Guo Yishan

Third Review: Cai Qinghua