Dr. Spitalnik on Goals for the Hemanext® Blood Storage System in Hematologic Malignancies

Steven L. Spitalnik, MD, co-director, Laboratory of Transfusion Biology, professor, Pathology and Cell Biology, vice-chairman, Laboratory Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, discusses the goals for the Hemanext® blood storage system in patients with hematologic malignancies. 

The goal of the Hemanext® blood storage system is to further the understanding of red blood cell storage biology and platelet transfusions, and hopefully produce a product that better serves patients, according to Spitalnik. Moreover, developing a better understanding of the dosing and activity of red blood cells may result in better outcomes for patients, Spitalnik adds.

Current data on this blood storage technology suggest that it enables more red cells to circulate for longer periods of time, Spitalnik explains. For patients who undergo chronic transfusions, this system could lead to fewer transfusions, and a better quality of life, Spitalnik concludes.