The invention provides means, methods, and compositions of matter useful for enhancing tumor response to checkpoint inhibitors. In one embodiment, the invention teaches utilization of extracorporeal apheresis, specifically removal of various tumor derived, or tumor microenvironment derived immunological “blocking factors”. In one embodiment the invention provides the removal of soluble TNF-alpha receptors (sTNF-Rs) as a means of augmenting efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In one specific embodiment. removal of sTNF-Rs is utilized to enhance efficacy of inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and/or the CD28/CTLA-4 pathway.

The invention provides means, methods, and compositions of matter useful for enhancing tumor response to checkpoint inhibitors. In one embodiment, the invention teaches utilization of extracorporeal apheresis, specifically removal of various tumor derived, or tumor microenvironment derived immunological “blocking factors”. In one embodiment the invention provides the removal of soluble TNF-alpha receptors (sTNF-Rs) as a means of augmenting efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In one specific embodiment removal of sTNF-Rs is utilized to enhance efficacy of inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and/or the CD28/CTLA-4 pathway.

Generally, a blood plasma immunomodulating agent rebalancing system. In particular, a blood plasma sTNFR and cytokine rebalancing system and methods of rebalancing sTNFR and cytokines in the blood plasma of a subject during plasmapheresis.

The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module which makes it possible to concentrate incubated platelets by efficiently removing water from an incubated platelet suspension liquid containing incubated platelets while suppressing deterioration of the function of the incubated platelets. The present invention provides an incubated platelet concentration module in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes each having pores with an average pore diameter of 2 μm or less on a surface of the hollow fiber membrane are packed in a casing having at least one inlet for supplying an incubated platelet suspension liquid before concentration into the hollow fiber membranes, wherein a value (X/Y1) obtained by dividing a total cross-sectional area (X) of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes by a total cross-sectional area (Y1) of the least one inlet is 4.0 or less.

A controller for a blood processing device has a body that may dock and undock with a first blood processing device to connect the controller to the first blood processing device and disconnect the controller from the first blood processing device. A processor within the controller controls the first blood processing device when the controller is docked with the first blood processing device and remotely controls the first blood processing device when undocked. The controller also has a user interface that displays information regarding the first blood processing device and an ongoing apheresis procedure when the controller is docked to the first blood processing device and when the controller is undocked from the first blood processing device.

According to some embodiments, a system may treat blood outside the body of a patient. The system may include one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at a collective rate over 4 liters per minute. The system may include one or more heat exchangers operable to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius and to allow the blood to cool one or more degrees following heating. The system may include one or more albumin dialysis modules configured to perform albumin dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at least after the one or more heat exchangers allow the blood to cool one or more degrees.

The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

The present invention relates to an apheresis device (1) for the extracorporeal removal of C-reactive protein from blood of a patient, wherein the apheresis device is connectable to the blood circulation of the patient. The blood is pumped via a part of the extracorporeal circulation system (2) of the apheresis device (1) according to the invention to a cell separator (7) for separation of the blood into blood plasma and cellular components. Via a first outlet of the cell separator (7), the separated blood plasma is directed by means of a plasma line (8A) to an apheresis column (4) for affinity chromatographic removal of C-reactive protein from the blood plasma. After removal of the C-reactive protein from the blood plasma of the patient, said now treated blood plasma is combined with the cellular components of the blood via a plasma line (8B). Furthermore, the apheresis device (1) according to the invention comprises a bypass line (12), which leads from the plasma line (8A) into the plasma line (8B) while bypassing the apheresis column (4). The apheresis device (1) according to the invention also comprises a regeneration line (14), which runs into the plasma line (8A) or directly into the apheresis column (4).

A plasmapheresis bowl for the separation and collection of plasma includes a core and a feed tube that increase the bowl efficiency and reduce foaming within the plasma. The core may have a cylindrical body and a ledge located within the interior of the core. The ledge extends radially inward from the core and defines, at least partially, a collection chamber within the plasmapheresis bowl. The core also has ribs that extend above the top of core body and create flow paths that allow fluid to enter the interior of the cylindrical body and collection chamber. The feed tube has a flow path extending through it that fluidly connects an inlet port on the plasmapheresis centrifuge. A first skirt member on the feed tube has a smooth angled surface that helps to reduce foaming.

Disclosed are a method and system for enriching and detecting microorganisms in a biological sample. The method allows the biological sample to be filtered through a polymer-modified substrate. The polymer-modified substrate is highly specific in capturing or separating human-derived nucleated cells, and allows the microorganisms to penetrate through it. During the process, a high level of microorganisms (bacteria, mycoplasmas, fungi, viruses, spores etc.) can be enriched in the sample and thus the interference from nucleated cells such as leukocytes can be reduced.