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Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is sometimes used to treat myeloma| and a rare type of lymphoma called Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia| (also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma).
It may also used to help treat some types of leukaemia| in people who have a high number of white blood cells.
We hope this information answers your questions. If you have any further questions, you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment.
Plasma is a yellow fluid that is the liquid part of the blood. It transports blood cells, proteins and other substances around the body.
Plasma exchange is a procedure by which your blood can be separated into its different parts: red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. The plasma is then removed from the blood and a plasma substitute returned in its place.
Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell. In conditions such as myeloma and Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia, abnormal plasma cells may make large amounts of a protein called immunoglobulin. Very high levels of immunoglobulin in the blood can cause the blood to become thicker than normal which causes symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision and tiredness. This is sometimes called hyperviscosity syndrome.
Plasma exchange can reduce the amount of abnormal protein in the blood. However; it does not stop the protein being produced. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy|, are needed to reduce the production of the protein by the plasma cells.
People with acute| or chronic myeloid leukaemia| who have a very high white blood cell count may sometimes need plasma exchange to reduce the number of white blood cells in their blood.
Plasma exchange is carried out using a machine called a cell separator, which separates blood cells and plasma. A needle is usually inserted into a vein in each arm. Blood is taken from a vein in one of your arms and circulated through the cell separator. This removes the plasma. The rest of your blood is returned to you through the vein in your other arm. To replace the plasma that is removed, a plasma substitute is given with the returned blood cells. As blood is being taken from you and returned to you at the same rate, only a small amount (less than 100ml) of blood is outside your body at any time.
Each plasma exchange takes about two hours. The rate of plasma exchange is decided according to your height, weight and the thickness (viscosity) of your blood.
The number of plasma exchanges that you need will depend on the amount of protein in your blood, your symptoms and your response to other treatments such as chemotherapy.
Occasionally people feel faint or light-headed during plasma exchange. If this happens, tell your nurse or doctor immediately. It’s usually easy to treat by changing your position so that you are lying down. You may be given additional fluid into the vein.
Try to eat breakfast and lunch on the day of treatment as this can help to reduce your chances of feeling faint.
You may feel numbness or tingling around your mouth and nose, or in your fingers, during the treatment. This is a side effect of a substance called citrate. Citrate is mixed with your blood to stop it clotting while it is outside your body. If the amount of citrate builds up, it can temporarily affect the levels of calcium in your blood and cause the above symptoms.
Let the nurse or doctor know straight away if you feel numbness or tingling sensations. It's easy to treat them, either by giving you a milky drink or by stopping the plasma exchange for about five minutes. This is usually enough time for your body to readjust to the effects of citrate and for the symptoms to go away.
If anything is worrying you about the procedure, speak to the nurse or doctor carrying out the treatment as they may be able to help. If you are anxious about needles, for example, it may be possible to have a local anaesthetic cream applied to numb the skin where the needles are put in.
You may want to bring in magazines or a book to help pass the time. You can usually have a relative or friend with you during the procedure.
Drinking plenty of fluids (2-3 litres) on the day of the treatment will help to replace any fluid that you may have lost during the procedure. You may also want to avoid alcohol for the rest of the day, as its effect on the body will be stronger than usual.
Some medicines can affect plasma exchange. Let your doctor or nurse know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies| and herbal drugs|.
Once plasma exchange begins, it is difficult to move around, so you may want to go to the toilet before the treatment starts.
People often feel very tired| after the procedure and you may feel tired for the rest of the day. It is best to rest afterwards and avoid physically strenuous activity. It is also a good idea to arrange someone to take you home after treatment, rather than to drive home yourself.
This information has been compiled using a number of reliable sources, including:
With thanks to Professor Gareth Morgan, Professor of Haematology, and the people affected by cancer who reviewed this edition. Reviewing information is just one of the ways you could help when you join our Cancer Voices network|.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.