The Use of Magnetic Microspheres for the Removal of Tumour Cells From Bone Marrow

Abstract

A technique for the removal of tumour cells from bone marrow is described. This involves rendering the tumour cells ‘magnetic’ by attaching them to magnetite–containing microspheres by a double layer of antibody. Bone marrow conraining these ‘magnetic’ tumour cells is then passed through a system of magnets so that the tumour cells are drawn out of the bone marrow. Treated bone marrow may then be reinfused into the patient from which it was taken.