MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking plasma donation from people who have recently recovered from a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, the hospital announced in a news release April 28.
MD Anderson is investigating using the plasma to transfuse from COVID-19 survivors into critically ill patients.
Researchers believe that antibodies present in the transfused plasma could help stimulate a stronger immune response in patients with COVID-19, according to the news release. The transfusions are part of a national initiative the hospital is participating in, led by the Mayo Clinic, called the Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program.
The cancer hospital is participating in the experimental treatment, known as convalescent plasma therapy, under a Food and Drug Administration expanded access program.
