Removal of EpCAM-positive tumor cells from blood collected during major oncological surgery using the Catuvab device-a pilot study

Intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) is regarded as an alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion excluding the risks associated with allogeneic blood. Currently, IBS is generally avoided in tumor surgeries due to concern for potential metastasis caused by residual tumor cells in the erythrocyte concentrate.