A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma flows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety such as an antibody which selectively binds to galectin 3. By removing galectin 3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10% improvements in the treatment of inflammation suppression of the formation of fibroses and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides for multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin 3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.
