Researchers discovered that bone marrow transplants can halt the development and progression of brain blood vessel disease in adults with sickle cell disease. The study found that receiving stem cell transplants led to positive changes in blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke among patients with the condition.
A new Pitt study reframes understanding of graft-versus-host disease, suggesting that GVHD is locally maintained by donor T cells in target tissues. The research, published in Immunity, offers an alternative model that could guide development of novel therapies and improve outcomes for stem cell recipients.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a custom-built application to automate the determination of engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The tool has been shown to improve accuracy of reported engraftments, reducing errors in neutrophil and platelet engraftment reporting.
A new gene therapy treatment has shown promising results in a clinical trial for Artemis-SCID patients, improving their immune function and reducing treatment complications. The treatment involves adding a healthy copy of the Artemis gene to the patient's own cells, resulting in improved T-cell and B-cell immunity.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have identified interleukin-1 as a crucial contributor to the development of myelofibrosis, a potentially deadly bone marrow cancer. Targeting this cytokine could prevent myelofibrosis from progressing and spare bone marrow scarring.
A KAUST-led research team identified two drug treatments that boost the activity of molecules involved in cell adhesion, enhancing the ability of blood-forming stem cells to enter the bloodstream and produce new blood. This breakthrough could lead to improved bone marrow transplant success for leukemia patients.
Bone marrow donors can now receive significantly reduced opioid medication during and after the donation procedure, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The new pain control method, using regional anesthesia, drastically decreased opioid usage from 84% to 23% among patients.
A groundbreaking study using cellular barcoding in mice reveals that blood cells originate from two independent sources: hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic multipotent progenitor cells. These findings have significant implications for understanding blood cancers, bone marrow transplant, and the aging immune system.
A study published in Cell reveals that individuals with gum disease are more susceptible to developing arthritis due to alterations in immune cell precursors in the bone marrow. The researchers also found that this association may prompt a reconsideration of how bone marrow donors are selected.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immunocompromised patients experience disrupted immune mechanisms, including reduced production of antibodies and increased pathogenic bacteria, after a bone marrow transplant. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment protocols for these patients.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that 10-second videos of white blood cell motion can predict blood cancer relapse in stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients. The study showed that patients with high adherence levels and rolling along vessel walls were more than three times as likely to have a relapse o...
Researchers discovered how pre-transplant chemotherapy facilitates replacement of brain's innate immune cells by transplanted stem cells. This process involves microglial cell death and senescence, but is not harmful to the brain, as it is quickly replaced by bone marrow-derived macrophages.
Paczesny will explore biomarkers and a new type of immune cell to identify and regulate acute lung injury after BMT. She aims to improve understanding of signaling mechanisms in lung injury after BMT, particularly as they relate to idiopathic pneumonia syndrome.
Sophie Paczesny's research aims to validate biomarker panels that help doctors predict chronic GVHD risk and adjust immune suppression treatments accordingly. The study uses machine learning algorithms to analyze stored plasma and blood cell samples from over 1,300 BMT recipients.
Survival rates for adult patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after hematopoietic cell transplantation have increased significantly over the past two decades. The two-year overall survival rate rose from 27.8% in 2000-2004 to 54.8% in 2015-2019, despite a significant increase in patient age at relapse.
Researchers used next-generation DNA sequencing to detect residual disease in patients treated with CAR-T therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study found that DNA sequencing was more sensitive and accurate than flow cytometry in predicting relapse, enabling earlier intervention.
Researchers found that adding interferon to bone marrow transplant significantly reduced leukemia relapse among high-risk patients, improving outcomes. The study suggests a potential new strategy for treating advanced acute myeloid leukemia, with further research needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers examined changes in life expectancy after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation over four decades. The study found improved survival rates and reduced risk of death among transplant recipients.
Researchers found no significant DNA changes in stem cells after transplant, but an anti-virus drug called ganciclovir may contribute to cancer development. Further research is needed to investigate this further.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have developed a method to keep cultured hematopoietic stem cells healthy, positive news for patients seeking stem cell transplants. The findings also hint at a new way to ward off aging by super-activating the heat shock pathway.
A new study reveals that a long noncoding RNA molecule named Linc00402 plays a key role in mobilizing the immune response after bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. The researchers found that inhibiting this RNA could improve outcomes for transplant recipients, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and cancer relapse.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves Krabbe disease outcomes through a mechanism independent of cross-correction. The study found that macrophages expressing GALC enzyme aid in myelin debris degradation, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a method to increase the potency of hematopoietic stem cells, which could improve bone marrow transplants. By manipulating lysosomal activity, they enhanced the potency of these stem cells by over 90-fold.
Researchers have found that abatacept significantly reduces severe acute GvHD in high-risk patients, with a one-year survival rate of 85%. The drug suppresses effector T cells, which can also trigger infections or relapse in cancer patients.
Researchers have demonstrated a new method to obtain donor stem cells for bone marrow transplants using a combination of Viagra and Plerixafor, which can be collected from the blood more quickly and with fewer side effects than traditional methods.
Researchers develop single-cell encapsulation technology to protect transplanted stem cells from clearance and immune attack, improving bone marrow transplant success rates in mice. The new microgels allow MSCs to persist in the body longer and resist immune rejection.
A new study found that people of southern-European and non-European descent are unlikely to have a suitable match if they need a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Alternative donor transplants are considered for these patients.
Researchers discovered that knocking out NLRP6 protein in mice led to better survival and less severe symptoms after bone marrow transplant. The study also found that NLRP6 played a non-microbiome dependent role in GVHD, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for reducing its effects.
A new protocol has increased the rate of successful bone marrow transplants from half-matched donors to nearly 100%, offering a higher chance of cure for patients with severe inherited blood disorders. Patients experienced reduced symptoms and no longer required immunosuppressive medications.
Harvard engineers create injectable sponge-like gel to enhance T-cell production and diversity after bone marrow transplantation, improving the immune system's ability to fight infections. The device reduces graft-versus-host disease and increases T-cell recovery rates.
A new study finds that antibodies produced by B cells play a dominant role in controlling cytomegalovirus reactivation in people with compromised immune systems. The discovery challenges long-held theories and could pave the way for safer therapies to protect patients from life-threatening infections.
A recent USC-Stanford study reveals that successfully transplanted stem cells exhibit 'extreme behavior' due to radiation and chemotherapy, whereas healthy cells produce blood and immune cells more evenly. The research also shows that certain stem cells become dormant or biased towards producing specific immune cells.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe a new method to improve the bone marrow transplant process, utilizing CASIN to mobilize higher quality donor HSCs and condition transplant recipients. This approach has potential to reduce toxicity and increase engraftment efficiency for vulnerable patients.
Researchers developed a DNA-based test to predict which patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at risk of relapse. The test can identify treatment-resistant cancer cells three weeks after transplantation, allowing for earlier therapeutic intervention.
Patients who underwent donor transplants in childhood have a higher risk of dying prematurely compared to the general population. The main causes of death were infection and chronic graft-vs-host disease, with patients' primary disease also contributing to their mortality.
A new study finds that the microRNA family miR-17-92 plays a critical role in regulating T-cell and B-cell pathogenicity, leading to chronic graft-vs-host disease. The research also suggests that blocking this miRNA may be an effective way to reduce cGVHD symptoms.
The European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Textbook for Nurses has been released, providing comprehensive guidance on transplant nursing. The book aims to improve patient care by promoting training, education, and research in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and cellular therapy.
A retrospective study of 1,629 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma found no significant differences in 4-year overall survival and disease relapse between those aged 65 and older versus 55-64 years old. The study suggests that age should not be a limiting factor in transplant eligibility.
A multicenter study shows that a personalized Survivorship Care Plan can significantly reduce patients' stress levels related to their cancer treatment. The study found that the intervention decreased distress over a 6-month period compared to those who did not receive the care plan. This innovative approach empowers transplant survivo...
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that infliximab blocks TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing transplant rejection. They also found that stimulating ATG16L1 protects against TNF-alpha driven inflammation.
A large NIH-funded clinical trial will determine if bone marrow transplantation can be part of standard care for patients with severe sickle cell disease. The study aims to balance health risks with the promise of being cured, and participants will be followed for two years.
The Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium, headquartered at CHLA, will conduct a clinical trial comparing outcomes for young patients with newly diagnosed severe aplastic anemia. The study aims to determine whether using unrelated-donor blood and marrow transplant is better than immune suppression therapy.
Researchers discovered a disruption in B cell maturation preventing antibody production in children after bone marrow transplant, impairing their ability to fight infection. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and targeted prophylaxis to address this critical immune issue.
Researchers have discovered that structural and connective cells in the lymphatic system called stromal cells are major players in priming donated immune cells to attack the host's body. Disrupting a critical signaling pathway during the first 48 hours can provide long-term protection against graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have developed an algorithm that predicts bone marrow transplant patients' risk of developing graft-versus-host disease. The 'MAGIC algorithm' uses two proteins in blood samples to determine a patient's risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.
In a groundbreaking study, 16 patients with severe aplastic anemia were successfully treated using partially matched bone marrow transplants followed by chemotherapy. After stopping immunosuppressive drugs over a year after their transplants, all patients showed no evidence of the disease.
Researchers found that oral vancomycin prevented C. diff in 73% of patients undergoing stem cell transplants, compared to 20% in those without the medication. The study suggests a potential new standard of care for transplant patients, but further study is needed due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers identified amino acid valine as crucial for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance. A valine-free diet with gradual reintroduction led to successful long-term engraftment of healthy donor cells in mice.
A nationwide study found that bone marrow-derived stem cells improved psychological well-being and reduced graft-vs.-host disease symptoms in transplant recipients. These patients were also more likely to return to work after five years.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found cord blood transplants had a lower incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease and allowed patients to discontinue immunosuppression sooner. The results suggest cord blood may be equal to or better than matched, unrelated donor transplants.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers found that bone marrow transplantation extended the lifespan of mice with a common ALS-causing gene mutation by 43 days. The study suggests that the gene operates at a crossroads between disease and autoimmunity, and may hold key to developing therapies for specific subpopulations of ALS patients.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a possible first therapy for Mucolipidosis IV by extending their findings from fruit flies to a mouse model. Bone marrow transplantation significantly delayed the onset of motor deficits in MLIV mice, preventing the amplification process that causes neurodegeneration and blindness.
Researchers at BC Children's Hospital have discovered a protein that can diagnose chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD), a life-threatening complication of blood and bone marrow transplants. Elevated levels of CXCL10 were found in patients who developed cGvHD, offering an early warning sign for diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a non-toxic transplantation procedure using antibodies to target blood stem cells, making it potentially safer and more effective than current methods. The new treatment removes nearly all blood stem cells, offering hope for patients with blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.
A new study found that the dose of transplanted bone marrow affects hematopoietic stem cell behavior, impacting their ability to produce specialized blood cells. Only 20-30% of these cells took on a generalist role, producing most abundant types of white blood cells.
Researchers have discovered that high doses of cyclophosphamide can selectively kill reactive immune cells, reducing the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients. This breakthrough has paved the way for the use of mismatched donors in stem cell transplantation, improving access to treatment for many patients.
Researchers found that butyrate production is reduced in the intestinal tract of experimental mice after bone marrow transplantation, leading to an increased risk of graft vs. host disease. Increasing butyrate levels can mitigate this condition by bolstering the gut lining's resistance to the donor immune system.
Researchers at VCU have developed computer models that can simulate the recovery of the immune system in patients undergoing stem cell transplants. The models use DNA sequencing and matrix mathematics to predict which patients may suffer complications such as graft-versus-host-disease.
A record number of 40,829 hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) were performed globally in 2014, with 36,469 patients treated. This represents a continued increase in HSCT rates, both allogeneic and autologous, over the past two decades.
A study of 1,280 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) found comparable survival rates at 100 days and two years for those aged 65 and older compared to younger patients. Age was not a determining factor in HCT outcomes, with marrow blasts, cytogenetics, and Sorror co-morbidity scores being independently associated with results.