Tumor proximal cell collection

Abstract

The invention provides methods of preparing a cell therapy by collecting fluid from a site proximal to a tumor and expanding T cells obtained from the fluid. Methods include collecting fluid from a site proximal to a tumor, obtaining at least one T cell from the fluid, and culturing the T cells in vitro. The fluid may be collected during or after surgical removal of a tumor from the site of the surgical removal of the tumor. The fluid may be drain fluid that drains from a surgical site. The method may include diverting the fluid from a waste disposal protocol or vessel in a surgical theater and into a collection vessel. Preferably the fluid includes lymphatic fluid.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.