Patent ID: 6177019
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: A61M,B01D

Abstract:
A method for removing tumor cells from a tumor cell-contaminated stem cell product, comprising the steps of:(a) providing an in-line filtration device including:a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port therein; anda tumor cell reduction filter means disposed within said housing between the inlet port and the outlet port so as to filter tumor cell-contaminated stem cell products which flow into the filtration device via the inlet port, said tumor cell reduction filter means dividing said housing into a first chamber and a second chamber;(b) providing a tumor cell-contaminated stem cell product;(c) passing the tumor cell-contaminated stem cell product through the filtration device wherein tumor cells are retained by the tumor cell reduction filter means within the filtration device and the stem cell product passes through the tumor cell reduction filter means and out of the filtration device; and(d) recovering a tumor cell-depleted stem cell product, wherein said tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in tumor cells and at least a 30% recovery of stem cells.