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The perfect match might be the imperfect one

A new study shows that half-matched donor bone marrow transplants can produce similar outcomes to full-match transplants, offering an alternative donor source for minorities and those without access to full matches. The Two-Step protocol used in the study may be a key factor in its success.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateOct 7, 2015

Massey researchers identify patients at risk for stem cell transplant complications

Massey researchers have identified three patterns of lymphocyte recovery following stem cell transplantation that are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The study found Group B patients experienced the best clinical outcomes, while Groups A and C had poorer survival rates. The discovery builds on previous research into th...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateJun 8, 2015

Immune system marker tied to improved bone marrow transplant outcomes

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that patients with donor bone marrow carrying a specific KIR protein variation had improved survival and reduced disease progression after bone marrow transplantation. The study identified a 60% decrease in death risk and 62% reduction in disease progression using this approach.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 16, 2013

JCI early table of contents for May 15, 2013

Two studies published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that chemokine stimulation is not required for T cell migration to transplanted organs. Instead, immune-stimulating proteins expressed by the organ direct T cells to migrate. Additionally, researchers identified a protein called TRAIL that causes cell death and can be...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2013

Moffitt researcher says no survival advantage with peripheral blood stem cells versus bone marrow

A two-year clinical trial found no survival difference between patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells and bone marrow stem cells from unrelated donors. However, peripheral blood stem cell transplants were associated with a higher incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 19, 2012

New genetic clues to why most bone marrow transplant patients develop graft-versus-host disease

Researchers discovered two specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) linked to acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and disease-free survival. A new screening protocol is being developed to better match patients and donors, with the goal of reducing GVHD incidence.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 4, 2012

New discovery may lead to effective prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host dsease

Scientists have discovered that the platelet activating factor receptor plays a crucial role in graft-versus-host disease, which can cause significant tissue damage and mortality. Blocking this receptor may lead to reduced tissue injury and improved survival rates for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 1, 2012

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

New discovery may expand availability of bone marrow transplants by stopping fatal complications

A new anti-inflammatory agent called ATL146e has been shown to limit and reverse the progression of graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplants. This breakthrough could make these potentially curative transplants safer and more widely used for individuals with inherited immunodeficiency diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 1, 2010

No difference in survival between leukaemia patients 10 years after undergoing stem-cell or marrow transplant

Patients who underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSC) had similar overall survival rates as those given bone marrow transplants, with no significant differences in mortality or late effects. However, subgroup analyses revealed improved leukaemia-free survival and overall survival for patients with acute leukaemias

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 31, 2010

Improving the odds

Scientists at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new method for transplanting bone marrow-based stem cells from mismatched donors, restoring the immune system faster and improving cure rates for leukemia patients. The procedure involves infusing regulatory T cells into cancer patients before receiving donor stem cells, lead...