Vascular access for autologous peripheral blood stem cells collection by large volume leukapheresis: Single center experience.

Peripheral venous access is feasible for autologous PBSC collection in more than a half of patients, in particular in those with multiple myeloma. Changes in the treatment of multiple myeloma, using new proteasome inhibitors-based and immunomodulatory agents that do not adversely affect peripheral veins, have enabled the use of PVA even at the high blood flow rates required by LVL. Peripheral venous access is not associated with safety issues or with a lesser collection efficiency, and it is cost-effective as well. Each patient referred to autologous PBSC collection needs to be evaluated individually by the experienced apheresis team for the most appropriate venous access.