Researchers are looking into a blood purification process that could potentially treat multiple myeloma and other cancerous conditions.
The procedure, called extracorporeal blood purification, was discussed at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual Kidney Week conference in November.
“While our findings conclude that targeting these molecules is possible, further research will help us understand the clinical impact of removing these molecules from the blood,” researcher Markus Storr, senior R&D manager at Baxter International Inc., said in a press release.
The purification method allows the blood to pass through a membrane within a circuit outside the body. Then, the circuit filters harmful molecules and waste from the blood before returning it to the body.
According to the press release, this type of therapy is typically used on patients with acute kidney injury – who are incapable of clearing toxins from their blood due to sudden loss of kidney function.
“Baxter continues to build on its commitment to contribute meaningful research to advance acute and chronic blood therapies,” said Dheerendra Kommala, vice president, Medical Affairs, Baxter.
Baxter researchers looked at two areas where blood purification could be therapeutic for multiple myeloma patients.
In the in vitro study, where researchers compared membranes to assess cytokines, chronic inflammation became a concern for end-stage renal disease patients.
In a second in vitro study, researchers found that the high-cut off dialyzer membrane provided a more efficient removal of molecules that may affect biological functions, including inflammation and cardiovascular.
“While our findings conclude that targeting these molecules is possible, further research will help us understand the clinical impact of removing these molecules from the blood,” Storr said.
Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer, affecting about 7 percent of the U.S. population. For 2016, the American Cancer Society estimated about 12,650 deaths due to complications with multiple myeloma.
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