| Adult Stem Cells Are Helping Scleroderma Patients |
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 20 July 2011 22:07 |
 Dr. Richard Burt and colleagues at Northwestern University have just published a new study in The Lancet that provides more evidence for the success of adult stem cell transplant in treating System Sclerosis (Scleroderma).Ten patients were treated with their own adult stem cells, and all improved at or before 12 months after treatment, compared with zero of the nine patients that received cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapeutic agent considered the “standard of care” for this disease. None of the adult stem cell-treated patients had their disease worsen, while 8 of the 9 chemo-treated patients showed worsening, and eventually 7 of the chemo patients switched to the adult stem cell treatment. The researchers note that the adult stem cell treatment improves skin and lung function in these patients for up to 2 years (the length of the current study) and is preferable to the current standard of care. The new report is accompanied by a commentary by Farge and Gluckman that says the Burt et al. study provides “the best data to date for transplantation in Scleroderma”, and “Despite the small number of patients and short follow-up of ASSIST, the findings of this trial are important for patients with systemic sclerosis, the medical community, and policy makers.” Dr. Burt is featured in a recently-released video discussing his ideas for use of adult stem cells to treat patients with autoimmune diseases. Burt and his team are using this technique to help treat patients suffering from some 23 different diseases, and the techniques he has developed are now being used in treatment centers around the globe. Adult stem cells are helping patients now. Source: Prentice, D. (2011), "Adult Stem Cells Helping Patients With Scleroderma Skin Disease"; Lifenews.com; original article can be viewed here. |
More articles :
» New Study Shows Increased Risk Of Cancer In Scleroderma
patients have a 75% increased risk of cancer compared to the general population, a meta-analysis confirms, leading the authors to recommend screening in these patients.Patients were at particular risk of developing (RR 4.35) and haematological...
» Scientists Identify Agent That Can Block Fibrosis of the Skin and Lungs
Researchers at the have identified an agent that in lab tests protected the skin and lungs from fibrosis, a process that can ultimately end in organ failure and even death because the damaged tissue becomes scarred and can no longer function...
» Gene Profiling of Scleroderma Skin Reveals Robust Signatures of Disease...
Humphrey Gardner, Jeffrey R. Shearstone, Raj Bandaru, Tom Crowell, Matthew Lynes, Maria Trojanowska, Jaspreet Pannu, Edwin Smith, Stefania Jablonska, Maria Blaszczyk, Filemon K. Tan, and Maureen D. MayesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISMVol. 54, No. 6, June...
» Millions Around World To Observe Rare Disease Day
Millions Around World To Observe Rare Disease DayThe Relief Foundation will be joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and others around the world in observing World Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2011. On this day,...
» Genetics of Scleroderma: Implications For Personalized Medicine
Significant advances have been made in understanding the genetic basis of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in recent years. Can these discoveries lead to individualized monitoring and treatment? Besides robustly replicated genetic susceptibility...
» PDE-5 Inhibitors in Scleroderma Raynaud Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers
Systemic sclerosis- (SSc-) related vasculopathy, as manifested by Raynaud’s Phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DUs), is associated with significant impairment of the quality of life and morbidity. The current vasoactive approach for SSc-RP,...