Trends in cell collection and apheresis practices: Insights from a cross-sectional study on the use of Spectra Optia in collection and transplant centers.

Background: This study, conducted among collection and transplant centers in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA), aimed to better understand current trends, challenges, and future directions in cell collection and apheresis practices, focusing on the Spectra Optia™ Apheresis System.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2023 among facilities using the Spectra Optia™ Apheresis System, which could also be using other comparable cell collection technologies, with expertise in cell collection and therapeutics. Respondents completed an online questionnaire.

Results: Forty-four facilities (France: 9, Germany: 7, Japan: 7, UK: 6, USA: 15) consented to participate. Across participating centers, a marked trend towards autologous cell collections was evident in France (mean: 71 % of collections were for autologous purposes), Germany (74 %), UK (79 %), and USA (73 %). Among centers in Japan, a more balanced division between autologous (47 %) and allogeneic (53 %) collections was seen. Over half of all respondents indicated facing several key challenges, including issues related to supporting services, patients, logistics, purity, and technology. The respondents largely agreed that the cell therapy demand will increase over the next 3-5 years and estimated a growth of 10-200 %.

Conclusions: This study highlights the breadth of indications for which Spectra Optia is used, and the dynamic nature and growth prospects of the field. Innovation and standardization in apheresis technologies will be important to drive the potential of cell-based therapeutics.