WO2014204001A1

WO2014204001A1 - Method using abnormally-activated-cell detection to test for malignant tumors and abnormally-activated-cell apheresis-therapy apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014204001A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/066480
Authority: WO
Inventors: 岡　剛史; 洋史藤田; 正吉野
Original assignee: 国立大学法人岡山大学
Priority date: 2013-06-21
Filing date: 2014-06-20
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: JPWO2014204001A1; CN105683752A; JP6352912B2; CN105683752B; JP6703736B2; JP2018153195A

Abstract

This invention provides an abnormally-activated-cell apheresis-therapy apparatus for inhibiting the onset of or treating leukemia by removing abnormally activated cells, specifically abnormally activated leukocytes or leukemia progenitor cells, from blood. Said abnormally-activated-cell apheresis-therapy apparatus, which is an abnormally-activated-leukocyte apheresis-therapy apparatus that removes abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells from blood, said cells having been made identifiable via high-concentration accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, is provided with the following: a blood-collection line, one end of which is provided with a needle for blood collection; a centrifugal separator that separates out a leukocyte fraction from blood sent down the blood-collection line; a cell sorter that removes abnormally activated cells from the separated-out leukocyte fraction; a light-exposure device that exposes the normal leukocyte fraction resulting from the removal of the aforementioned abnormally activated cells to light of a prescribed wavelength; and a return line that returns, to the patient, the normal leukocyte fraction and a return fluid comprising the blood components other than the leukocyte fraction.

Description

Test method for malignant tumor by detecting abnormally activated cells and abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return device

The present invention relates to a method for examining a malignant tumor by detecting abnormally activated cells, and an abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return treatment apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus for suppressing or treating the onset of leukemia by removing abnormally activated cells.

This application claims the priority of Japanese application No. 2013-130758, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Recently, the incidence of leukemia tends to increase year by year in Japan. The number of deaths due to leukemia was approximately 11,156 in 2008, 8.8 per 100,000 population (10.5 males, 7.1 females).

In particular, it is known that adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma (lymoma: lymphoma) is an intractable leukemia / lymphoma. About 700 cases occur annually in Japan from carriers of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (Human T-cell leukemia virus type I: HTLV-I), the causative virus. In particular, the annual incidence of ATLL per 1,000 HTLV-I carriers is 1.0 to 1.5 in men and 0.5 to 0.7 in women, and the lifetime incidence in HTLV-I carriers over 30 years of age is , 4-7% for men and 2% for women. Currently, there are about 1.08 million people in Japan and about 20 million people worldwide.

In ATLL, HTLV-I infects CD4-positive T cells, and cell-to-cell infection, and clones that escape from the immune system in a long incubation period accumulate genetic abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic abnormalities, etc. It is thought to develop by causing cells to become tumors. 3-5% of HTLV-I carriers develop ATLL 40-60 years after HTLV-I infection. Infection routes are mainly breast milk infection, blood transfusion, and sexual intercourse.

ATLL was diagnosed in 1991 based on prognostic factor analysis and clinical pathological features, depending on the presence and extent of leukoplasia, organ invasion, hyper-LDH, hypercalcemia, and 4 types of disease: acute, lymphoma, chronic, and smoldering A classification has been proposed and the median survival according to recent reports is 11 months for acute, 20 months for lymphoma, 24 months for chronic, and 3 years or more for smoldering. Treatment outcomes with recent chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) have improved, but the prognosis is still poor compared to other leukemias. According to the clinical disease-type survival curve of ATLL patients, the survival rate of patients with acute and lymphoma ATLL falls to less than 50% within one year from the start of observation. The number of patients is slightly higher in men, and the median age of onset in Japan is 67 years, with onset rarely before 40 years.

Conventional methods for diagnosing such intractable ATLL include identification of HTLV-I-infected tumor cells in the patient's peripheral blood, as well as lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, hypercalcemia, skin lesions, and opportunistic infections. Based on clinical symptoms specific to ATLL, such as many mergers.

However, with such a method, especially in the acute type and lymphoma type ATLL, diagnosis cannot be made unless the symptoms begin and symptoms begin to appear, and therefore these cannot be diagnosed early, so treatment is too late. There is a possibility of becoming. It is resistant to treatment with anticancer drugs and has a poor prognosis.

In the collection of data for estimating the prognosis of ATLL, there is disclosed a method for measuring the methylation status of CpG islands in the promoter region of specific genes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) ( Patent Document 1). Creates a methylation profile of CpG islands in the promoter region of the gene, calculates CIMP (CpG island methylator phenotype) as a prognostic factor, and develops / progresses ATLL calculated from methylated genes, number of methylated genes, and CIMP value HRLV-I carrier onset or indolent (slow progression) smoldering and chronic ATLL by displaying risk stratification by risk score and / or methylation status of specific genes The present invention relates to a method for creating data for estimating ATLL prognosis that makes it possible to predict the progression to aggressive type (high malignant type) acute type and lymphoma type ATLL.

High-grade acute type and lymphoma type ATLL and chronic type ATLL with poor prognosis are indications of chemotherapy, but are resistant to standard treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (CHOP therapy). -Strong chemotherapy is repeated at short treatment intervals in combination with CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor).

On the other hand, low-grade smoldering type and chronic type ATLL with no poor prognostic factors deal with skin lesions locally, and chemotherapy is required until the disease becomes acute, like chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In principle, the follow-up is not, but the long-term prognosis is not good. In recent years, allo-HSCT can be expected to survive for a long time due to the host-versus-ATL effect and should be studied, but there are some hosts and diseases that are difficult to treat with normal allo-HSCT. There are also problems such as low T cell production ability due to atrophy, and susceptibility to immunodeficiency and interstitial pneumonia. The risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complication often seen in allogeneic transplants, in which donor-derived lymphocytes attempt to attack and eliminate the patient's organs as if they were not their own There is also a problem. Further, although development of new therapeutic methods such as antibody drugs is expected in the future, development of effective therapeutic methods with an excellent prognosis is desired.

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is cultured in histiocytic lymphoma via the heme metabolic pathway by administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a physiological precursor of a photosensitizer porphyrin-related compound. It has been reported that cells accumulate in large quantities and generate strong fluorescence. Using this property, it has been studied that leukemia cells that emit strong PpIX fluorescence can be distinguished from healthy cells by administration of 5-ALA. 5-ALA-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT: Photo) -Dynamic (Therapy) reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen generated by light irradiation of PpIX accumulated in target tumor cells can specifically induce cell death of tumor cells (Non-Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, by irradiating the blood extracted from the human body during artificial dialysis with light of a predetermined wavelength to patients who are not leukemia but who have metabolic insufficiency of water-insoluble indirect (non-conjugated) bilirubin A method for reducing the concentration of water-insoluble indirect bilirubin by converting it into water-soluble direct bilirubin has been disclosed (Patent Document 2). Water-insoluble indirect bilirubin formed from hemoglobin in the body is usually converted into water-soluble direct (conjugated) bilirubin by the liver and excreted through the kidney. It is known that the direct conversion to sex bilirubin is not performed and the concentration of water-insoluble indirect bilirubin in the blood is increased. Water-insoluble indirect bilirubin can be converted into water-soluble direct bilirubin by irradiation with light of a predetermined wavelength. Irradiation can be converted to water-soluble direct bilirubin to reduce the concentration of water-insoluble indirect bilirubin.

Among HTLV-I carriers at high risk of developing ATLL and low-grade ATLL such as chronic ATLL and smoldering ATLL, there is a high possibility of acute transformation (advance) to high-grade acute and lymphoma ATLL With respect to patients and chronic ATLL patients with poor prognosis, it is desired to develop a method for detecting the risk of onset / advance at an early stage and an effective treatment method capable of avoiding poor prognosis even after onset. Development of this method will eliminate as much as possible anxiety of onset / progression and improve quality of life (QOL) for low-incidence HTLV-I carriers and low-grade ATLL patients with low probability of progression It also leads to.

JP 2009-254357 A JP 2004-358243 A

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for examining a malignant tumor. Then, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for removing abnormally activated cells from a blood sample, an abnormally activated cell-removed perfusion return treatment apparatus, and a tumor treatment method using the abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return treatment apparatus. .

Among hematopoietic tumors, adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma (ATLL) is an intractable leukemia / lymphoma with a very poor prognosis. Development of new therapies such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and new antibody drugs is progressing, but in the case of this disease, which is characterized by high incidence in the elderly, problems with the supply of transplanted stem cells and patients However, there is a problem that many treatment-resistant patients are not rarely excluded from the application of treatment methods with a large burden.

An object of the present invention is to provide an abnormally activated cell-removing perfusion return treatment apparatus that is less invasive, less burdensome on the patient, and can specifically remove leukemia cells with high efficiency.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made extensive studies by focusing on the fact that PpIX is accumulated in abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells in blood so that the abnormally activated cells can be identified. As a result, the inventors have completed an invention relating to an abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return device that specifically removes abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells in blood.

The abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a blood collection line having a puncture needle for blood collection at one end, and a centrifuge that separates a white blood cell fraction from blood fed by the blood collection line A cell sorter that removes abnormally activated cells from the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge, and light that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength to a normal blood cell fraction from which abnormally activated cells have been removed by the cell sorter Refluxing blood that returns the circulating blood that consists of blood components other than the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge and the normal white blood cell fraction for circulating blood that has been irradiated by the light irradiator. Line.

Further, in the abnormally activated cell-removal circulating blood recirculation treatment apparatus of the present invention, 5-ALA is administered to the blood collected via the blood collection line to the patient 2 to 48 hours before, preferably 2 to 12 hours before. It is characterized by accumulating PpIX in abnormally activated cells including tumor cells and irradiating blood containing abnormally activated cells with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm with a light irradiator. Is.

That is, this invention consists of the following.
1. A method for examining a malignant tumor, comprising analyzing a distribution pattern of abnormally activated cells and tumor marker positive cells for a collected blood sample.
2. 2. The method for examining a malignant tumor according to item 1, wherein the abnormally activated cells are PpIX positive cells.
3. If the malignant tumor is a hematopoietic tumor, carcinoma or sarcoma, and the tumor marker is a hematopoietic tumor, immunology consisting of TSLC1, CD3, CD13, CD19, CD20, CD10, CD13, CD7, CD56 and HLA-D Any of the above markers, and in the case of carcinoma or sarcoma, any one selected from cytokeratin 19-9 (CA19-9), CEA, NSE, PSA, TPA, AFP, SCC, PTH, TSH 3. The method for examining a malignant tumor according to 1 or 2.
4). 4. The method for examining a malignant tumor according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the hematopoietic tumor is ATLL.
5. 5. The test method according to item 4 above, wherein the donor of the collected blood sample is a carrier of HTLV-I or an ATLL patient, and the test for malignant tumor is a test for predicting the risk of developing ATLL and / or confirming progress.
6). 6. The examination method according to item 5 above, wherein the confirmation of progress of ATLL is confirmation of progress of ATLL to any one of (A) smoldering type, (B) chronic type, and (C) acute type.
7). The collected blood sample is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm, PpIX positive cells present in the sample are detected, and cell death is induced by the light irradiation of the PpIX positive cells. A method for removing abnormally activated cells from a specimen.
8). A method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 7, comprising the following steps:
1) A step of separating a red blood cell fraction and a white blood cell fraction by centrifugation for the collected blood sample;
2) The separated leukocyte fraction is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm, PpIX positive cells are detected, and cell death is induced by the light irradiation on the PpIX positive cells. Removing abnormally activated cells from the blood sample;
3) A step of integrating the red blood cell fraction separated in 1) above with the remaining white blood cell fraction from which abnormally activated cells have been removed from the white blood cell fraction in 2) above.
9. 9. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 8 above, wherein the light irradiation of 2) is performed on a leukocyte fraction containing 5-ALA.
10. 9. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 7 or 8 above, wherein the abnormally activated cells are any of malignant tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and immune abnormal cells.
11. The abnormally activated cells are malignant tumor cells, and the collected blood sample is examined using the examination method described in any one of 1 to 6 above, and the cells classified as malignant tumor cells are collected. 11. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 10 above, wherein the irradiated cells are irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm.
12 12. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 10 or 11, wherein the malignant tumor is a hematopoietic tumor and the abnormally activated cells are abnormally activated leukocytes.
13. 13. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to item 12 above, wherein the hematopoietic tumor is ATLL.
14 The abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus comprising the following a) to e) and comprising a mechanism for carrying out the method for removing an abnormally activated cell according to any one of items 7 to 13:
a) a blood collection line having a puncture needle for blood collection at one end;
b) a centrifuge for separating the red blood cell fraction and the white blood cell fraction from the blood fed by the blood collection line;
c) a cell sorter for removing the abnormally activated cells from the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge;
d) a light irradiator for irradiating the normal leukocyte fraction from which the abnormally activated cells have been removed by the cell sorter of c) with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm;
e) Recirculation that recirculates the recirculated blood composed of blood components other than the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge and the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation that has been irradiated with light by the light irradiator. Blood return line.
15. 15. The abnormally activated cell-removal recirculating blood return treatment device according to 14 above, wherein an artificial dialysis device is further connected to the recirculation blood return line of e).
16. The abnormally activated cells are removed from the blood sample using the abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus according to the above 14 or 15, and the blood sample after the abnormally activated cells are removed is returned to the living body. A method of treating a hematopoietic tumor characterized by the above.

According to the inspection method of the present invention, malignant tumor cells can be detected effectively. By confirming the flow cytometry profile for a malignant tumor, the risk of tumor development / development can be ascertained.

According to the abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus of the present invention, not only abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells are removed by a cell sorter, but also malignant tumor cells remaining by irradiation of light with a light irradiator, chronic inflammatory By inducing cell death in abnormally activated cells such as immune abnormal cells such as self-antigen-responsive cells in cells and autoimmune diseases, the risk of abnormally activated cells remaining can be reduced to a minimum. That is, according to the abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion treatment apparatus of the present invention, for example, only abnormally activated cells are removed from blood collected from a patient, such as component transfusion, and normal blood cell components, platelets, and plasma are returned to the patient again For example, it can contribute to leukemia treatment.

In particular, according to the abnormally activated cell-removal circulating blood recirculation treatment apparatus of the present invention, in the separation using a centrifuge and a cell sorter, in principle, abnormally activated cells are almost completely separated by setting the cutoff value of the fluorescence intensity from PpIX. Can be removed. Even if abnormally activated cells mixed in the normal cell fraction coexist, 98.7% of abnormally activated cells can be removed by inducing cell death by further light irradiation. It is possible to remove most abnormally activated cells efficiently.

It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the time course of PpIX accumulation | storage after after administering 1 mM 5-ALA to TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line). (Reference Example 1) Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) and ED-40515 (ATLL leukemia cell line) of healthy volunteers were flow-sited for PpIX accumulation after 48 hours culture after addition of 1 mM 5-ALA It is a figure which shows the result analyzed by the measurement. (Reference Example 1) Contactivity stimulated by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD3 / CD28 immuno-beads (Dynabeads ^(R) human T-cell activator CD3 / CD28 (Invitrogen, Oregon, USA)) from patients with contact dermatitis Flow of PpIX accumulation after 48-hour culture after administration of 1 mM 5-ALA for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) and ED-40515 (ATLL leukemia cell line) of dermatitis patients It is a figure which shows the result analyzed by cytometry. (Reference Example 1) (1) Healthy individuals, (2) Low risk HTLV-I carriers, (3) Medium risk HTLV-I carriers, (4) High risk HTLV-I carriers, (5) Smoldering ATLL patients, (6) It is a figure which shows the result of having analyzed the cell distribution pattern of PpIX fluorescence intensity and TSLC1 expression intensity which is a leukemia marker about the peripheral blood derived from a chronic ATLL patient and (7) acute type ATLL patient by flow cytometry. (Example 2) It is a figure which shows the concept of the abnormally activated cell removal reflux return treatment apparatus of this invention. Example 1 It is a figure which shows the concept at the time of connecting a dialysis apparatus to the abnormally activated cell removal reflux return treatment apparatus of this invention. Example 1 Peripheral blood mononuclear in patients with TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) or chronic ATLL treated with photodynamic therapy by irradiating with Na-Li lamp for 48 hours in the presence of 1 mM 5-ALA It is a figure which shows the result of having investigated the cell death pattern by flow cytometry of the sphere (PBMC) by double staining of PI (Propidium iodide) staining and Annexin-V-FITC staining. (Example 3) It is a figure which shows the result when the peripheral blood of a chronic type | mold ATLL patient is 5-ALA processed using the apparatus of Example 1. FIG. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood of chronic ATLL patients were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of 1 mM 5-ALA, and then photodynamic therapy was performed by irradiating light with a Na-Li lamp. The flow cytometry analysis result of specific cell death induction is shown. With this treatment, the survival rate of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was 77.5%, whereas the survival rate of ATLL leukemia cells was 1.3%, indicating that ATLL leukemia cells were specifically dead (implemented) Example 4) Specific cell death in the case of photodynamic therapy by adding 1 mM 5-ALA to peripheral blood of chronic ATLL patients and culturing for 48 hours followed by irradiation with Na-Li lamp The flow cytometry analysis result of induction is shown. As a result of analyzing the cell distribution pattern of the chronic ATLL leukemia fraction and the normal mononuclear cell fraction with PpIX fluorescence intensity and TSLC1 expression intensity as a leukemia marker by flow cytometry, 98.83% ATLL leukemia cells were killed by this treatment. It shows that 99.50% became peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) composed of normal cells. (Example 5) It is a figure which shows the result of having analyzed the cell distribution pattern which concerns on expression of a PpIX positive cell and a tumor marker about various cell culture hematopoietic tumor cells. (Example 6) It is a figure which shows the result of having analyzed the cell distribution pattern which concerns on expression of a PpIX positive cell and a tumor marker about various cell culture malignant tumor cells by flow cytometry. (Example 6) It is a figure which shows the result of having analyzed the cell distribution pattern which concerns on expression of a PpIX positive cell and a tumor marker about various cell culture cancer cells by flow cytometry. (Example 6)

The malignant tumor test of the present invention can be performed by the following steps 1) to 3).
1) a step of detecting PpIX positive cells in the collected blood sample;
2) a step of detecting tumor marker positive cells in the collected blood sample;
3) Analyzing the distribution pattern of PpIX positive cells and tumor marker positive cells obtained in 1) and 2), respectively.

“PpIX (protoporphyrin IX)” is one of photosensitizers and is a substance synthesized in the mitochondria from physiological precursors of porphyrin-related compounds. Examples of “physiological precursors of porphyrin-related compounds” include 5-ALA (5-aminolevulinic acid), which is an amino acid that is a precursor substance for heme synthesis, but is not particularly limited thereto. Any physiological precursor that generates strong fluorescence with a photosensitive substance may be used.

In the present specification, the “PpIX positive cell” refers to a cell in which PpIX is accumulated by excessive administration of a physiological precursor of a porphyrin-related compound such as 5-ALA from the outside. It is known that PpIX selectively accumulates in immunologically abnormal cells such as malignant tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells and autoantigen-responsive cells in autoimmune diseases, and in particular, selectively accumulates at high concentrations in malignant tumor cells. PpIX is irradiated with excitation light having a peak at a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm, preferably a wavelength of 400 to 490 nm or a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm, preferably a wavelength of 610 to 640 nm, and a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm, preferably a wavelength of 620 to 650 nm. Preferably, it has the property of exhibiting red fluorescence having a peak at a wavelength of 635 nm, and has been clinically applied to photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of tumor tissues in a wide range. FIG. 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of the time course of accumulation of PpIX positive cells after administration of 1 mM 5-ALA to TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line). It can be seen that the PpIX concentration reached the upper limit 48 hours after administration.
Fig. 2 shows PpIX fluorescence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) and ED-40515 (ATLL leukemia cell line) of healthy subjects after 48 hours of culture after administration of 1 mM 5-ALA. It is a figure which shows the result of having analyzed intensity | strength by flow cytometry. As a result of FIGS. 1 to 3, accumulation of PpIX was observed in a tumor-specific manner by administration of 5-ALA. In addition, FIG. 3 shows contact activated by stimulation with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD3 / CD28 immuno-beads (Dynabeads ^(R) human T-cell activator CD3 / CD28 (Invitrogen)) from patients with contact dermatitis. Of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) and ED-40515 (ATLL leukemia cell line) in patients with atopic dermatitis after PhIX accumulation after 48 hours of culture after administration of 1 mM 5-ALA It is a figure which shows the result analyzed by flow cytometry. This shows that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with contact dermatitis, there is a fraction that is slightly activated with a normal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fraction and has a high PpIX fluorescence intensity. It can also be seen that when a strong stimulation is applied to T cells using CD3 / CD28 immuno-beads, a fraction with a stronger PpIX fluorescence intensity is induced. As a result of FIGS. 1 to 3, a strong accumulation of PpIX was observed specifically by tumor cells and activated lymphocytes by administration of 5-ALA.

In the present specification, “abnormally activated cells” refers to pathological cells, and examples thereof include immunologically abnormal cells such as malignant tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and autoantigen-responsive cells in autoimmune diseases. In the present specification, cells that emit strong PpIX fluorescence in the presence of 5-ALA by addition or administration of 5-ALA are also referred to as “abnormally activated cells”. In the above, the “malignant tumor” may be any of “hematopoietic tumor”, “carcinoma (carcinoma), sarcoma”, and is not particularly limited, but preferably “hematopoietic tumor” is Can be mentioned. Examples of “hematopoietic tumors” include leukemia and lymphoma. Leukemia is roughly classified into acute leukemia and chronic leukemia, and is divided into myeloid leukemia that develops from myeloid cells and lymphocytic leukemia that develops from lymphoid cells. Specifically, acute myeloid leukemia (Acute Myeloid Leukemia: AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (Leukemia: CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukemia: CLL) Etc. ATLL is also listed as another type of leukemia. In this specification, it is ATLL that is the object of examination and treatment. As shown in the background art section, ATLL is caused by HTLV-I.

In the present invention, a sample collected for examination or treatment is a blood sample. The collected blood sample may be irradiated with light as it is, but is preferably processed by the following steps.
1) The red blood cell fraction and the white blood cell fraction are separated by centrifugation of the collected blood sample.
2) The separated leukocyte fraction is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm.
3) After the light irradiation, the accumulated PpIX positive cells are detected. In the present specification, leukocytes exhibiting abnormal proliferation ability including hematopoietic tumors such as leukemia cells are also referred to as “abnormally activated leukocytes”.

In the present specification, the tumor marker may be a tumor marker specified for a tumor, and is not particularly limited. For example, for hematopoietic tumors, patients with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or multinucleated leukocyte fractions, in addition to TSLC1 as a cell surface marker, CD3, CD13, CD19, CD20, CD10, CD13, CD7, CD56, HLA -Immunological markers such as DR. An example of a cell surface marker whose expression is specifically increased in ATLL leukemia cells is TSLC1. Tumor markers for carcinoma (epithelioma) and sarcoma include per se known cytokeratin 19-9 (CA19-9), CEA, NSE, PSA, EMA, AFP, SCC, PTH, TSH, but are particularly limited is not.

According to the test method combining “detection of PpIX positive cells” and “detection of tumor marker positive cells” of the present invention, cells that have become malignant tumors can be detected more reliably than when they are performed alone. Perform “PpIX positive cells” and “tumor marker positive cells” using flow cytometry, and confirm the cell distribution pattern (flow cytometry profile) to predict the onset / progress of malignant tumors. can do.

For example, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of analyzing the cell distribution pattern by flow cytometry from the PpIX measurement value and the measurement value of TSLC1, which is a tumor marker, for peripheral blood derived from ATLL patients. In the case of (1) healthy individuals, the TSLC1 (-) / PpIX (-) pattern in which cells accumulate on the lower left side, whereas in the HTLV-I carrier, (2) TSLC1 that is almost the same as that of healthy individuals (4) From low risk HTLV-I carriers with (-) / PpIX (-) pattern, (3) Medium risk HTLV-I carriers with increasing fraction of TSLC1 (+) / PpIX (-), (4) As the risk of onset increases to a high-risk HTLV-I carrier that is almost no different from the pattern of smoldering ATLL, changes in the cell distribution pattern are observed. Especially in high-risk HTLV-I carriers, it means that there are many cell groups showing TSLC1 (+) / PpIX (+) leukemia cell-specific profiles. Is high. Thus, in the case of a carrier, it is possible to predict the onset of ATLL by confirming the cell distribution pattern (flow cytometry profile) in the blood sample, and to start preemptive treatment according to the progress of the disease state at an early stage Can do.

The ATLL smoldering type, chronic type, or acute type also gradually changes as shown in the patterns (5) to (7) in Fig. 4, and the increase in TSLC1 (+) / PpIX (-) cells indicates that TSLC1 ( +) / PpIX (+) migration to leukemia cells. Low-grade ATLL such as smoldering type and chronic type is also acutely changed to high-grade ATLL by monitoring the transition from TSLC1 (+) / PpIX (-) cells to TSLC1 (+) / PpIX (+) leukemia cells Conversion (progress) can be detected at an early stage. By analyzing the pattern of each patient specimen, it is possible to grasp in detail the risk and progression of ATLL onset / progress and the type of disease, and the possibility of onset / progression prevention is anticipated by conducting preemptive medicine it can.

The risk and progression of malignant tumor onset / progress can be predicted or grasped using, for example, the following as an index. When the risk / progression index of malignant tumor and the index of the progression are RF (RF: Risk Factor), the RF value can be derived as follows. For example, the flow cytometry profile shown in FIG. 4 is considered as follows.
(A) LL: Lower Left (PpIX (-), TSLC1 (-)) (Lower left) Number of cells in the region (B) LR: Lower Right (PpIX (-), TSCLC1 (+)) (Lower right) Number of cells (C) UR: Number of cells in the Upper Right (PpIX (+), TSLC1 (+)) region
RF = 0.01 x (LL / total count) + 10 x (LR / total count) + 100 x (UR / total count)
Total count: 10,000 cells
Healthy people: LL = 100% RF = 0.01
Medium risk HTLV-I carrier: LL = 50%, LR = 50% RF = 5.05
High risk HTLV-I carrier: LL = 50%, LR = 45%, UR = 5% RF = 9.55
Acute ATLL patients: RF = 100 when UR = 100%
In addition, the said RF value is an illustration, Comprising: It can determine suitably from the cell number of (A) (B) (C). The risk of onset / progression of malignant tumor and the progress index RF (RF: Risk Factor) can be evaluated in the following ranges in the case of ATLL.
Healthy people: 0.01 <RF <1.00
Low risk HTLV-I carrier: 0.01 <RF <2.50
Medium risk HTLV-I carrier: 2.00 <RF <6.00
High risk HTLV-I carrier: 3.50 <RF <20.00
Smoldering ATLL: 4.00 <RF <30.00
Chronic ATLL: 5.00 <RF <80.00
Acute ATLL: 20.00 <RF <100.00

The present invention also extends to a method for removing malignant tumor cells. The “malignant tumor” in the method for removing malignant tumor cells may be any hematopoietic tumor, carcinoma or sarcoma, but is particularly preferably a hematopoietic tumor. The collected specimen is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm, PpIX positive cells are detected, and cell death is induced by the light irradiation to remove malignant tumor cells. it can. In order to detect PpIX positive cells, it is preferably a specimen containing a physiological precursor of a porphyrin-related compound, specifically 5-ALA. A sample containing 5-ALA may be administered in advance before the sample is collected, or may be administered to the sample after the sample is collected, but it is preferable to administer the sample before collecting the sample. is there. 5-ALA has proven to be highly safe when used for oral administration and intravenous injection. By administering 5-ALA to a patient in advance, accumulation of PpIX in abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells can be caused. Since it takes some time for PpIX to accumulate in abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells, it is desirable to administer 5-ALA at least 2 days before the test.

The present invention also extends to an abnormally activated cell removal perfusion return treatment device for removing abnormally activated cells including hematopoietic tumors from a collected blood sample. The abnormally activated cell removal perfusion return treatment device of the present invention is a device for removing abnormally activated cells in blood, and in particular, it accumulates PpIX in malignant tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells and immune abnormal cells. It selectively accumulates, and in particular, abnormally activated cells such as malignant tumor cells such as leukemia cells or leukemia progenitor cells can be identified and effectively removed.

The abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.
a) a blood collection line having a puncture needle for blood collection at one end;
b) a centrifuge for separating the red blood cell fraction and the white blood cell fraction from the blood fed by the blood collection line;
c) a cell sorter for removing the abnormally activated cells from the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge;
d) a light irradiator for irradiating the normal white blood cell fraction from which the abnormally activated cells have been removed by the cell sorter of c) with a predetermined wavelength;
f) A recirculation that recirculates the recirculated blood composed of blood components other than the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge and the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation that has been irradiated with light by the light irradiator. Blood return line.
Further, g) an artificial dialysis apparatus may be connected (see FIG. 6).

The abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail. The device of the present invention is a device for removing abnormally activated cells such as tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells or immune abnormal cells in blood, and in particular, distinguishing abnormally activated cells from normal cells by accumulating PpIX. As possible, it is an abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment device that effectively removes. Abnormally activated cells relate to tumor cells and include leukemia cells found in hematopoietic tumors as well as tumor cells dropped into the blood from carcinomas (epitheliomas), sarcomas, and the like. By removing tumor cells that have fallen into the blood, metastasis of malignant tumors such as cancer and sarcoma can be suppressed. In the present invention, the abnormally activated cells are particularly preferably abnormally activated leukocytes such as leukemia cells. The abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus of the present invention is an abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus that can effectively identify abnormally activated leukocytes or leukemia progenitor cells, and effectively remove them.

Administration of 5-ALA, a physiological precursor of a photosensitizer porphyrin-related compound, causes PpIX to accumulate specifically at high concentrations via the porphyrin metabolic pathway in abnormally activated cells and has a wavelength of 350-490 nm or 600- Abnormally activated cells can be identified because strong fluorescence is generated by 700 nm excitation light irradiation.

The 5-ALA that is a physiological precursor of a porphyrin-related compound as a photosensitive substance is not particularly limited as long as it is a physiological precursor that generates strong fluorescence with a photosensitive substance.

5-ALA can cause PpIX accumulation in abnormally activated cells by pre-administration to patients. Since it takes some time for PpIX to accumulate in the abnormally activated cells, 5-ALA is preferably used 2 to 48 hours, preferably 2 to 12 hours before using the abnormally activated cell-removal reflux treatment apparatus. It is desirable to administer.

Hereinafter, in order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, the abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return blood treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described using examples. The experimental results conducted to complete the present invention will also be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various applications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. is there.

(Example 1) Abnormally Activated Cell Removal Perfusion Recirculation Treatment Device An abnormally activated cell removal perfusion return treatment device, as shown in FIG. 5, has a blood collection with a puncture needle (not shown) for blood collection at one end. Line 10, a centrifuge 20 for separating a leukocyte fraction from a blood sample supplied by the blood collection line 10, and abnormal activity such as leukemia cells against the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge 20 The cell sorter 30 for removing activated cells, the light irradiation device 40 for irradiating the normal leukocyte fraction from which abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells have been removed by the cell sorter 30, and the centrifuge 20 Blood components other than the leukocyte fraction, blood circulation components such as erythrocyte fraction and platelet fraction, and blood circulation solution that is irradiated with light from the light irradiator 40 and plasma other than the leukocyte fraction Components, red blood cell fraction and platelets It is composed of a circulation return line 50 that returns blood components such as fractions.
Here, “abnormally activated cells” can be detected by PpIX-specific fluorescence emitted when irradiated with excitation light having a wavelength of 488 nm, and the detected PpIX (+) leukocytes can be removed with a cell sorter.

The blood collection line 10 may be a blood collection line used in general component blood donation. A blood collection puncture needle is attached to one end of the blood collection line 10, and the other end can be connected to the centrifuge 20.

The centrifuge 20 can also be a continuous centrifuge used for component blood donation. For the blood sample delivered by the blood collection line 10, the leukocyte fraction is separated by centrifugation with the centrifuge 20, and the plasma component, the red blood cell fraction and the platelet fraction are used as the recirculation blood for recirculation. It can be delivered to the first circulation return line 51 of the line 50.

The white blood cell fraction separated from the blood by the centrifuge 20 is fed to the cell sorter 30 via the first connection line 61.

The cell sorter 30 is normally used as a cell analysis / separation device, in which individual cells of fine particles are dispersed in a fluid, and the fluid is finely flowed to excite each particle cell with laser light of a specific wavelength. , Optically analyze the specific fluorescence generated, perform flow cytometry, charge droplets containing cells with specific optical properties after droplet formation, and charge with a charged deflector It is an apparatus for performing cell sorting for separating cells contained in a droplet.

The cell sorter 30 of the present embodiment detects abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells that emit strong fluorescence due to a large amount of PpIX accumulation in the leukocyte fraction fed from the centrifuge 20, and abnormal activity such as leukemia cells. Abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells are removed by sorting the activated cells.

In the cell sorter 30, because the leukocyte fraction separated in the centrifuge 20 is mixed with a buffer solution such as sheath liquid, and leukocytes are diluted to an extent that can be individually identified, abnormalities such as leukemia cells in the cell sorter 30 After removal of the activated cells, removal of excess components contained in the sheath liquid and appropriate concentration are performed. That is, although not shown, the cell sorter 30 is connected to a concentrator using a centrifuge or the like, or a concentration adjuster using physiological saline, etc. A normal leukocyte fluid for reflux return from which activated cells have been removed is generated. The normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation is returned to the light irradiator 40 via the second connection line 62.

In the separation with the cell sorter 30, in principle, abnormally activated cells such as almost 100% leukemia cells can be removed by setting the cutoff value of the fluorescence intensity from PpIX.

The abnormally activated cells removed by the cell sorter 30 may be discarded as they are or used for inspection. In particular, the number of abnormally activated cells such as removed leukemia cells can be used for early examination of leukemia and disease state monitoring. In FIG. 5, 63 is a discharge line through which abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells removed by the cell sorter 30 are discharged.

The normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation returning blood fed via the second connecting line 62 is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength by the light irradiator 40, and this light is used for the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation recirculation. It is supposed to cause cell death in the leukemia cells that remain.

That is, in the present embodiment, the light irradiator 40 is constituted by a feeding tube 41 that feeds a normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation and a light source 42 that radiates light toward the feeding tube 41. The feed pipe 41 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent pipe, and can irradiate light to the normal white blood cell fraction fed through the pipe. The light source 42 is a metal halide lamp (Na-Li lamp) in which sodium and lithium are enclosed. The light source 42 may be an LED lamp capable of irradiating a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm or another light source including laser light. In order to enable smooth feeding of the normal white blood cell fraction for reflux return, for example, a pump for feeding may be provided in the middle of the second connecting line 62, A pump for feeding may be provided. In addition, a cooling device that cools the heat generated by light irradiation may be provided in the feed pipe 41.

In this embodiment, the length of the feeding tube 41 and the feeding speed of the normal white blood cell fraction for reflux return are adjusted so that the irradiation time is 10 minutes or longer. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, one light source 42 is used, but a plurality of light sources may be used.

The light irradiator 40 irradiates a normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation with a light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm by a Na-Li lamp. PpIX is excited by light irradiation to abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells that have not been removed by the cell sorter 30 despite the accumulation of PpIX, and singlet oxygen is generated from oxygen with this excitation. In addition, cell death is induced by the strong cell destruction action by the singlet oxygen. In this apparatus, a dialysis apparatus may be connected as shown in FIG.

(Reference Example 1) Confirmation of PpIX Accumulation Using Cell Lines In this reference example, accumulation of intracellular PpIX after adding 1 mM 5-ALA to the culture solution of TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) The progress was confirmed. As a result, it was confirmed that intracellular PpIX was sufficiently present even after the lapse of 48 hours after addition of 5-ALA (FIG. 1). In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy individuals, CD3 / CD28 immuno-beads (Dynabeads ^(R) human T-cell activator CD3 / CD28 (Invitrogen)) stimulated cells and activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. With regard to nuclear cells (PBMC), TLOm1 and ED-40515 (ATLL leukemia cell line), PpIX accumulation in cells 48 hours after administration of 1 mM 5-ALA was analyzed by flow cytometry. As a result, accumulation of PpIX was confirmed specifically for activated T cells and tumors (FIGS. 2 and 3).

(Example 2) Confirmation of flow cytometry profile of mononuclear cells In this example, flow cytometry was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects, HTLV-I carriers or ATLL patients.・ The profile was confirmed. 1 mM 5-ALA was added to the culture broth containing each peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and cultured for 48 hours. PpIX accumulation and TSLC1 expression were confirmed in these cells, and cell distribution by flow cytometry Pattern analysis was performed. As a result, (1) healthy individuals, (2) low-risk HTLV-I carriers, (3) medium-risk HTLV-I carriers, (4) high-risk HTLV-I carriers, (5) smoldering ATLL patients, A unique cell distribution pattern was confirmed for (6) chronic ATLL patients and (7) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from acute ATLL patients (FIG. 4). HTLV-I carriers are at about 5% risk of developing ATLL in their lifetime, but for HTLV-I carriers, knowing the risk of developing ATLL is very important for the quality of life (QOL) of HTLV-I carriers is important. Based on the method of the present invention, an appropriate treatment method is selected immediately before the onset or at the beginning of the onset by recognizing the pattern of the medium risk and high risk HTLV-I carriers, which is the risk pattern of (3) and (4) be able to.

Assuming that the risk of malignant tumor onset / progression and the index of progression are RF (Risk Factor), the RF value was derived as follows. For example, the flow cytometry profile shown in FIG. 4 is considered as follows.
(A) LL: Number of cells in the Lower Left (PpIX (-), TSLC1 (-)) region (B) LR: Number of cells in the Lower Right (PpIX (-), TSCLC1 (+)) region (C) UR: Upper Right (PpIX (+), TSLC1 (+)) number of cells
RF = 0.01 x (LL / total count) + 10 x (LR / total count) + 100 x (UR / total count)
Total count: 10,000 cells
Healthy people: LL = 100% RF = 0.01
Medium risk HTLV-I carrier: LL = 50%, LR = 50% RF = 5.05
High risk HTLV-I carrier: LL = 50%, LR = 45%, UR = 5% RF = 9.55
Acute ATLL patients: UR = 100% RF = 100
In this example, healthy person: RF = 0.014, low risk HTLV-I carrier: RF = 0.99, medium risk HTLV-I carrier: RF = 3.49, high risk HTLV-I carrier: RF = 6.17, smoldering Type ATLL: RF = 4.68, Chronic ATLL: RF = 72.11, Acute ATLL: RF = 29.49

(Example 3)
In this example, 1 mM 5-ALA was added to the culture solution of TLOm1 (ATLL leukemia cell line) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of chronic ATLL patients and cultured for 48 hours, followed by a Na-Li lamp for 10 minutes. Irradiation (29 mW / cm ² ). Thereafter, the cell death pattern by flow cytometry was examined by double staining of PI (Propidium iodide) staining and Annexin-V-FITC staining. As a control, the same analysis was performed on cells not added with 5-ALA. As a result, in TLOm1, cells were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of 1 mM 5-ALA. After photodynamic therapy using irradiation with a Na-Li lamp, almost 100% of the cells were AnnexinV (+) / PI ( -) (Apoptosis) or AnnexinV (+) / PI (+) (necrosis) caused cell death. On the other hand, TLOm1 of the control group cultured in the presence of 0 mM 5-ALA was all alive with AnnexinV (−) / PI (−). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with chronic ATLL caused cell death in the fraction of AnnexinV (+) / PI (-) (apoptosis) or AnnexinV (+) / PI (+) (necrosis) Cell groups and cell groups surviving with Annexin V (−) / PI (−) (FIG. 7). Example 4 was performed in order to confirm what kind of cells the fraction causing cell death and the fraction remaining alive consist of.

Example 4
In this example, 1 mM 5-ALA was administered to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of chronic ATLL patients using the apparatus of Example 1 and cultured for 48 hours, followed by a 10-minute Na-Li lamp (29 mW). / cm ² ) Irradiation. Subsequently, triple staining with Annexin-V-FITC, PI, and TSLC1-Alexa647 was performed, and detailed analysis of the cell death fraction by flow cytometry was performed. As a result, the fraction of cells in which ATLL leukemia cells of TSLC1 (+) / AnnexinV (+) caused cell death (upper right) reached 98.7% of the fraction of all ATLL leukemia cells (TSLC1 (+)). In the normal mononuclear cell survival fraction (TSLC1 (-) / AnnexinV (-)) (lower left), it was confirmed that 77.5% of all normal mononuclear cells (TSLC1-) were alive (Fig. 8). . This result showed that cell death was induced specifically in leukemia cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) by irradiating light with Na-Li lamp after adding 1 mM 5-ALA to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of chronic ATLL patients for 48 hours The presence of ATLL leukemia fraction and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after the analysis was analyzed (FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 8A, 98.7% (66.31% / (0.88% + 66.31%) = 98.7%) of ATLL leukemia cells (ATLL leukemia marker TSLCI (+); UL2, UR2) cell death (PI (+ )) Was induced. As shown in Fig. 8B, the breakdown of cell death is necrosis 78.5% (Annexin V (+), PI (+); UR3), apoptosis 21.5% (Annexin V (+), PI (-); UL3 )Met. In contrast, 77.5% (LL2) of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are alive as shown in FIG. 8A, indicating that cell death of leukemia cells is induced with high specificity. Show. That is, the method using the light irradiator 40 in FIG. 4 is a method that can induce leukemia cell death with low invasiveness and high efficiency.

Therefore, abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells that have not been removed by the cell sorter 30 are killed by the light irradiator 40, so that abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells remain in the normal leukocyte fraction for recirculation. Only healthy white blood cells can be returned to the patient without fear.

Abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells that caused cell death can be removed using the discoloration function of the patient's liver and spleen even if they are returned to the patient together with the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation. However, if necessary, abnormally activated cell components such as leukemia cells that have been killed by a filter or the like may be removed to prevent oncolysis syndrome.

In the present embodiment, the normal white blood cell fraction for reflux return sent from the light irradiator 40 is sent to the second reflux return line 52 of the reflux return line 50 connected at one end to the light irradiator 40. The first circulating blood return line 51 and the second circulating blood return line 52 are connected by a Y-shaped connector (not shown), thereby comprising normal blood components other than the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge 20. The recirculating blood and the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculating blood irradiated with light by the light irradiator 40 are mixed.

On the outlet side of the Y-shaped connector, the other end of a third recirculation return line 53 provided with a blood puncture needle (not shown) at one end is connected, and the recirculation composed of blood components other than the leukocyte fraction A mixture of the returned blood and the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation is returned to the patient.

As described above, in the specific abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus of the present invention, not only abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells are removed by the cell sorter 30, but also leukemia cells and the like by irradiation with light from the light irradiator 40. The possibility of abnormally activated cells remaining can be eliminated.

The specific abnormally activated cell removal reflux return treatment apparatus of the present invention is used not only as a treatment for removing abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells, but also for counting the number of abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells removed by the cell sorter 30, Since it can be used for pathological analysis, it can also be used for early examination of leukemia and pathological monitoring as described above.

Further, the heterospecific normal activated leukocyte removal reflux return treatment device of the present invention is used for transplantation of patient immunity against other organ transplantation in addition to ATLL lymphoid leukemia, myeloproliferative diseases including myeloid leukemia, etc. Of aggressive activated lymphocyte clones in organ rejection or attack of patient organs by donor lymphocytes due to acute GVHD (graft versus host disease) or chronic GVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation It can be used for removal. Furthermore, it may be widely used for various diseases associated with abnormal growth of activation-specific clones such as various autoimmune diseases or allergic diseases. In addition, it can be used for suppression of metastasis by separation / removal of epithelial carcinoma cells and sarcoma cells in blood undergoing hematogenous metastasis.

(Example 5)
In this example, 1 mM 5-ALA was administered to peripheral blood of chronic ATLL patients and cultured for 48 hours, and then a photodynamic therapy was performed by irradiating light with a Na-Li lamp. Flow cytometric analysis was performed for specific cell death induction. As a result of analyzing the cell distribution pattern of the chronic ATLL leukemia fraction (TSLC1 (+)) and the normal mononuclear cell fraction (TSLC1 (-)) with PpIX fluorescence intensity and TSLC1 expression intensity as a leukemia marker by flow cytometry, This treatment removed 98.83% ATLL leukemia cells by cell death. As a result, it was shown that 99.50% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) became normal cells. From this example, it is clear that the ATLL leukemia fraction and the normal mononuclear cell fraction can be separated with high accuracy, and it was considered that 100% of ATLL leukemia cells can be removed by setting the fluorescence intensity of PpIX ( FIG. 9).

(Example 6)
In this example, 1 mM 5-ALA was administered to various established malignant tumor cultured cells and cultured for 48 hours, and tumor markers and PpIX accumulation were confirmed for these cells.
As each cell line, hematopoietic tumor-derived cells are Ramos cells (Burkitt lymphoma (malignant lymphoma)), K562 cells (chronic myeloid leukemia) and BALL1 cells (acute B lymphocytic leukemia). The expression of TSLC1 as a tumor marker was also confirmed (FIG. 10). Furthermore, Jurkat cells (T-lymphocytic leukemia) and FL18 (cystic lymphoma (malignant lymphoma)) were confirmed in the same manner (FIG. 11). As a result, by administering 1 mM 5-ALA, the distribution pattern of PpIX-positive cells and tumor marker-positive cells (PpIX (+)) was confirmed by flow cytometry for PpIX accumulation and TSLC1 expression in hematopoietic tumor-derived cells. / TSLCV1 (+)) was clearly different from normal cells (PpIX (-) / TSLC1 (-)). In solid tumors, MCF7 cells (breast cancer) and HS-OS1 cells (osteosarcoma) were also found to accumulate PpIX by administration of 1 mM 5-ALA (FIG. 11). Furthermore, A549 cells (lung cancer), SCCKN cells (tongue cancer), and LK79 cells (lung cancer) also showed PpIX accumulation by administration of 1 mM 5-ALA, positive for PpIX positive cells and tumor marker (CK19-9) It was confirmed that the distribution pattern of epithelial cancer cells (PpIX (+) / CK19-9 (+)) was different from normal cells (PpIX (−) / CK19-9 (−)) (FIG. 12).
Based on the above results, the distribution of PpIX positive cells and tumor marker positive cells was analyzed for hematopoietic tumors and solid tumors, confirming a cell distribution different from normal cells. It was thought that tumor cells could be removed by kinetic therapy.

10 Blood collection line 20 Centrifugal separator 30 Cell sorter 40 Light irradiator 41 Feed tube 42 Light source 50 Recirculation return line 51 First recirculation return line 52 Second recirculation return line 53 Third recirculation return line 61 First connection line 62 Second connection line 63 Discharge line

As described in detail above, according to the inspection method of the present invention, malignant tumor cells can be detected effectively. By confirming the flow cytometry profile for a malignant tumor, the risk of tumor onset / progress can be ascertained. For example, when the malignant tumor is ATLL, the risk of ATLL onset / progress can be predicted for the HTLV-I carrier. ATLL is categorized as (A) smoldering type, (B) chronic type, (C) acute type, and (D) lymphoma type. By confirming the flow cytometry profile, ATLL is classified into high-risk HTLV-I carriers. Since it is possible to monitor in detail the pathology of low-grade ATLL patients who are expected to be identified and progressed, more appropriate preemptive treatment can be performed before onset / progress.

According to the abnormally activated cell removal perfusion return treatment device of the present invention, for example, abnormally activated cells such as leukemia cells are removed from blood collected from a patient, for example, component transfusion, and normal blood cell components, platelets, and plasma are removed again. Can be returned to the patient and contribute to leukemia treatment. According to the abnormally activated cell removal perfusion return treatment apparatus of the present invention, leukemia cells can be substantially removed in principle by setting the cutoff value of the fluorescence intensity from PpIX in the separation using a centrifuge and a cell sorter. it can. Even if leukemia cells mixed in the normal cell fraction coexist, 98.7% of leukemia cells can be removed by inducing cell death by further light irradiation. It is possible to remove leukemia cells.

Further, the abnormally activated cell-removal perfusion return treatment apparatus of the present invention is a lymphatic leukemia other than ATLL, myeloproliferative diseases including myeloid leukemia, etc., as well as rejection of patient immunity against transplanted organs of patient immunity against allogeneic organ transplantation Alternatively, it can be used to remove aggressive lymphocyte clones in patients' organs attacked by donor lymphocytes due to acute GVHD (graft-versus-host disease) or chronic GVHD that occurs after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation It is thought that. Furthermore, it may be widely used for various diseases such as various autoimmune diseases or lymphoproliferative diseases accompanying abnormal growth of specific clones such as allergic diseases. In addition, it can be used for suppression of metastasis by separation / removal of epithelial carcinoma cells and sarcoma cells in blood undergoing hematogenous metastasis.

Claims

A method for examining a malignant tumor, comprising analyzing a distribution pattern of abnormally activated cells and tumor marker positive cells for a collected blood sample.
The method for examining a malignant tumor according to claim 1, wherein the abnormally activated cells are protoporphyrin IX positive cells.
If the malignant tumor is a hematopoietic tumor, carcinoma or sarcoma, and the tumor marker is a hematopoietic tumor, immunology consisting of TSLC1, CD3, CD13, CD19, CD20, CD10, CD13, CD7, CD56 and HLA-D Any marker selected and, in the case of carcinoma or sarcoma, one selected from cytokeratin 19-9 (CA19-9), CEA, NSE, PSA, TPA, AFP, SCC, PTH, TSH Item 3. A method for examining a malignant tumor according to Item 1 or 2.
The method for examining a malignant tumor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hematopoietic tumor is adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma.
The donor of the collected blood sample is a human T-cell leukemia virus type I carrier or an adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma patient, and malignant tumor testing is performed to predict the risk of developing adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma and / or to confirm progress The inspection method according to claim 4, wherein
6. The progress confirmation of adult T cell leukemia / lymphoma is confirmation of progress of adult T cell leukemia / lymphoma to (A) smoldering type, (B) chronic type, or (C) acute type. Inspection method described.
The collected blood sample is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm to detect protoporphyrin IX positive cells present in the sample, and cell death of the protoporphyrin IX positive cells by the light irradiation is detected. A method of removing abnormally activated cells from a specimen by triggering.
The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 7, comprising the following steps:
1) A step of separating a red blood cell fraction and a white blood cell fraction by centrifugation for the collected blood sample;
2) The separated leukocyte fraction is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm to detect protoporphyrin IX positive cells, and the protoporphyrin IX positive cells are subjected to cell death by the light irradiation. Removing the abnormally activated cells from the blood sample by triggering;
3) A step of integrating the red blood cell fraction separated in 1) above with the remaining white blood cell fraction from which abnormally activated cells have been removed from the white blood cell fraction in 2) above.
The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 8, wherein the light irradiation of 2) is performed on a leukocyte fraction containing 5-aminolevulinic acid.
The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the abnormally activated cells are any of malignant tumor cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and immune abnormal cells.
The abnormally activated cells are malignant tumor cells, and the collected blood sample is examined using the examination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the cells classified as malignant tumor cells are collected. The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 10, wherein the collected cells are irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm or 600 to 700 nm.
The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the malignant tumor is a hematopoietic tumor and the abnormally activated cells are abnormally activated leukocytes.
The method for removing abnormally activated cells according to claim 12, wherein the hematopoietic tumor is an adult T cell leukemia lymphoma.
An abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment device comprising the following a) to e) and comprising a mechanism for carrying out the method for removing an abnormally activated cell according to any one of claims 7 to 13:
a) a blood collection line having a puncture needle for blood collection at one end;
b) a centrifuge for separating the red blood cell fraction and the white blood cell fraction from the blood fed by the blood collection line;
c) a cell sorter for removing the abnormally activated cells from the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge;
d) a light irradiator for irradiating the normal leukocyte fraction from which the abnormally activated cells have been removed by the cell sorter of c) with light having a wavelength of 350 to 490 nm and / or 600 to 700 nm;
e) Recirculation that recirculates the recirculated blood composed of blood components other than the leukocyte fraction separated by the centrifuge and the normal white blood cell fraction for recirculation that has been irradiated with light by the light irradiator. Blood return line.
The abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment apparatus according to claim 14, wherein f) an artificial dialysis apparatus is further connected to the reflux return line of e).
The abnormally activated cells are removed from the blood sample by using the abnormally activated cell-removal reflux return treatment device according to claim 14 or 15, and the blood sample after the abnormally activated cells are removed is returned to the living body. A method of treating a hematopoietic tumor characterized by the above.