Leukapheresis is the removal of white blood cells (leukocytes) from the peripheral blood. The process requires access to veins in both arms. Blood is extracted from one arm into a machine that sorts out the various blood components according to their density and weight. White cells are removed, and the rest of the blood is returned to the patient via a needle in the other arm. The procedure usually takes 3-4 hours.

Leukapheresis can reduce the circulating white count rapidly, efficiently, and safely, in CLL patients. The question is whether such a procedure will provide the patient with short-term and/or long-term benefits. In a study of 59 CLL patients treated with therapeutic leukapheresis, reduction in elevated lymphocyte counts (lymphocytosis), swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), and swelling of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) was noted in 50-60% of the patients studied.

Despite its ability to reduce circulating white counts, leukapheresis is not standard therapy for CLL. It is very expensive and it usually has to be repeated every one to three weeks, or longer. Patients seeking additional information on the use of leukapheresis in the treatment of CLL should consult their hematologists.