Articles tagged with Bone Marrow Transplantation
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center have discovered a mechanism to limit graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplant patients while preserving their leukemia-killing effects. Targeting interleukin 23, an immune substance secreted by donor marrow cells, may be a viable way to achieve this balance.
Researchers have identified a negative regulation loop that restricts the ability of T lymphocytes to divide, paving the way for a homeostatic production of CD4+ T lymphocytes. This discovery has major implications for patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, or infected with HIV.
Two studies examine the impact of cord blood, peripheral blood, and bone marrow on transplant success rates in adults with acute leukemia. The research reveals that mismatched cord blood transplants can be a suitable alternative to bone marrow or peripheral blood transplants.
Researchers have discovered a possible therapy for mucolipidosis type IV (ML4), a disease causing nerve cell death and progressive motor function loss in children. Introducing normal blood cells into genetically modified fruit flies with ML4 symptoms delayed cell death, suggesting bone marrow transplantation as a treatment option.
A new study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation demonstrates that a reduced-intensity conditioning bone marrow transplant can eliminate symptoms of sickle cell disease in six out of seven patients. This approach eliminates life-threatening side effects associated with traditional bone marrow transplants.
Researchers found that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can prevent transplant rejection in mice. The study's results suggest a potential method for reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs in human organ and bone marrow transplants.
A nationwide clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of unrelated donor marrow and cord blood transplants for severe sickle cell disease. The trial, facilitated by the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, aims to extend a promising treatment option to more severely affected patients.
A high-dose immunosuppressant drug has been shown to reduce disease activity and disability in individuals with aggressive multiple sclerosis. The study found a significant reduction in disability of 39.4% and improvement in physical and mental function scores.
A new experimental protocol successfully induced immune tolerance to HLA-mismatched kidney transplants in four out of five patients. The treatment involved a combined organ and bone marrow transplant, followed by immunosuppressive drug withdrawal, resulting in normal kidney function for all patients.
A group of 275 doctors in the UK have spoken out against the government's decision to remove a dying Ghanaian woman from receiving vital life-prolonging dialysis treatment. The doctors argue that this decision is both unethical and dangerous, as it puts the health of both the undocumented migrant and the general public at risk.
A recent study has found that umbilical cord blood transplants can be a successful treatment option for children with inherited metabolic disorders, offering improved outcomes compared to bone marrow transplants. The procedure has shown advantages in terms of availability and reduced risk of complications.
Researchers found that bone marrow transplant is a successful treatment option for DiGeorge syndrome, with a 75% survival rate. The study also suggests that the thymus may not be necessary for immune development after birth.
Central nervous system infections are a rare but significant predictor of death among heart transplant recipients. According to a study of 315 patients, 8 developed CNS infections within four years after transplantation, resulting in three deaths and two survivors with mild complications.
University of Minnesota researchers have initiated a groundbreaking clinical trial to determine the optimal dose and safety of T regulatory cells from umbilical cord blood in decreasing the risk of immune reactions common in patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation. The study aims to enhance blood and marrow recovery, reduc...
A recent study published in The Lancet found that mismatched cord blood transplants performed as well as matched bone marrow transplants in terms of leukemia-free survival rates. Additionally, patients receiving matched cord blood had a 20% higher survival rate than those with matched bone marrow.
Researchers at U of MN have discovered a treatment to halt disease progression in advanced ALD patients by combining NAC and transplant. This breakthrough offers new hope for devastating disease affecting young boys.
Researchers found lower transplant rates in African-Americans compared to Caucasians, even when using self-donated or relative-donated stem cells. The discrepancy may be attributed to various factors, including differences in insurance coverage, cultural attitudes, and physician biases.
A combination of bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy has greatly lengthened the lives of laboratory mice with Krabbé disease, a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder also found in people. The dual therapy improved motor skills and increased lifespan by more than twice as long as untreated mice.
The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.
Researchers at Yale University have made a groundbreaking discovery that bone marrow cells can transform into functional gut lining cells after transplantation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease characterized by mucus buildup in organs.
Researchers found that patients with elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels at seven days post-transplant were more likely to develop graft vs. host disease and had lower one-year survival rates. Elevated TNF levels were tied to a higher risk of this deadly complication, suggesting potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Researchers have identified genome sequences for three species of Aspergillus fungus, shedding light on their role in disease and potential for new treatments. The findings may help develop diagnostic tests and prevent allergies and diseases like pneumonia and sinusitis.
A study of 259 children undergoing bone marrow transplantation found that tooth decay was the most common dental problem, often caused by neglected oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Children with dental abnormalities were more likely to develop therapy-related caries if they underwent immunosuppression as part of their treatment.
The largest study of unrelated bone marrow transplantation for leukemia has demonstrated similar survival rates for T-cell depletion and immunosuppressive drug therapy approaches. The study, published in The Lancet, also found no appreciable differences in cost or quality of life between the two methods.
A new study has developed an oral rinse test that can detect the presence of white blood cells in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. The test was found to be effective in predicting which patients are at risk of infection during their recovery, with a difference of less than four days being an indicator of susceptibility.
U of MN researchers have developed a new approach to adult cord blood transplantation, achieving high engraftment rates and low complications. The treatment uses combined use of two cord blood units from different donors, offering potentially life-saving therapy to patients previously denied treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a technique to eliminate graft-versus-host disease without compromising cancer treatment. In clinical trials, the therapy showed promising results with only one patient developing severe graft-versus-host disease out of 37 treated patients.
A study found that cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants for leukemia patients without a matched relative or donor, resulting in high survival rates. The availability of umbilical cord blood provides a logical choice for doctors and patients when a matching bone marrow donor cannot be found.
Researchers found that PBSC transplants were associated with higher rates of mortality and chronic graft-versus-host disease compared to bone marrow transplants. This suggests a potential need for re-evaluation of transplant approaches in pediatric patients.
The study found that low- and intermediate-risk MDS patients benefit from delayed bone marrow transplantation after diagnosis, while high- and intermediate-risk patients may maximize overall survival with immediate transplantation. This research provides valuable insights for managing myelodysplasia patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that cord blood stem cells can halt disease progression and aid repair in organs and tissues, improving survival rates and reducing complications. Children treated with cord blood transplants showed significant cognitive gains and improvements in organ function.
Researchers have discovered that low-dose HDAC inhibitors can prevent the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing cell damage and improving survival rates in mice with GVHD. The study suggests that these drugs may be used to reduce the risk of death, hospitalization, and serious side effects associated with bone marrow transplants.
The database provides survival rates of people who received cell grafts, helping doctors evaluate the potential risks and benefits of transplantation in treating disorders like leukemia. Researchers can generate hypotheses on the role of donor matching in blood and marrow stem cell transplants with this new resource.
A meta-analysis of six studies found autologous bone marrow transplantation to be more effective in disease-free survival but similar overall survival compared to chemotherapy. Imatinib also shows promise as a treatment for advanced neuroblastoma, while tamoxifen use is linked to increased risk of rare uterine cancers.
Human bone marrow-derived single stem cell lines can proliferate and differentiate into islet-like cells capable of glucose-related insulin production. Researchers implanted these cells into mice with type 1 diabetes, observing an apparent reduction in glucose levels after two weeks.
A study on therapeutic cloning of hematopoietic stem cells showed promising results in generating compatible cells for long-term engraftment. Another study on transferring donor immunity across HLA barriers identified a safe and effective way to re-build immunity after bone marrow transplantation.
The new guidelines call for searches within the National Marrow Donor Program registry conducted by histocompatibility specialists, with patients HLA typed to a high degree of resolution. High-resolution HLA typing is essential for all transplant patients, and the guidelines encourage considering transplants even without a perfect match.
Researchers have found that bone marrow cells from transplants can relocate to brain tissue, carrying Y chromosomes into Purkinje cells involved in balance and movement. This discovery suggests that these cells may act as a repair squad to treat damaged tissues throughout the body.
Dr. Ferrara's ongoing laboratory research aims to develop improved therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of bone marrow transplants used to treat leukemia and other cancers.
A boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) had bone marrow donor cells present in his muscle fibers 13 years after a transplant. Mesenchymal stem cells from the donor's bone marrow may be continuing to produce muscle cells, potentially reducing disease severity.
A clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown that combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation can induce long-lasting tolerance in patients with multiple myeloma. The treatment, called non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation, reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs.
Researchers at U-M have discovered that inflammatory cytokines are the primary cause of graft-versus-host disease, which can be prevented by neutralizing these proteins. The study's findings offer new hope for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, with human clinical trials currently underway.
Researchers found that mice lacking the SHIP gene survived allogeneic bone marrow transplants without rejecting the graft or experiencing graft-versus-host disease. The study suggests a novel approach to preventing and treating this life-threatening reaction, potentially increasing the availability of bone marrow donors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins report sustained, treatment-free remissions in aplastic anemia patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide. After two years or more, 14 of 19 patients remained disease-free, while nearly 65% were in complete remission four years post-treatment.
The Office of Naval Research developed an inexpensive and effective HLA test to screen potential bone marrow donors, increasing compatibility by 30%. New research aims to slow down tissue rejection response, allowing near matches.
A study led by Dr. William Bensinger found that patients undergoing stem-cell transplantation lived longer than those receiving marrow transplants, especially for high-risk blood cancers. The study also showed lower rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease with stem cells.
A new trial found that a radioactive compound called MIBG can not only image but also help kill neuroblastoma tumors. In the Phase I trial, 11 children with advanced neuroblastoma had positive responses and few side effects when treated with MIBG combined with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.
A study at the American Society of Hematology Meeting found that patients with acute myeloid leukemia who achieve remission with Mylotarg have prolonged disease-free survival following stem cell transplantation. Researchers also observed fewer complications from bone marrow transplants compared to traditional treatment.
Researchers induced human adult stem cells to develop into various tissues, including bone, cartilage, and muscle, when transplanted into fetal sheep. The transplanted cells persisted for over a year without rejection, suggesting potential for tissue repair and regeneration.
A new strategy involving radiation and bone marrow infusion appears to effectively reduce immune system attack in intestinal transplant recipients. Five patients who received irradiated intestines experienced no episodes of rejection for up to four months, while two control patients experienced typical rejection within weeks.
UT Southwestern researchers identified a specific protein in sensory nerves that contribute to cyclosporine-induced hypertension. The study found that mice lacking this protein experienced no increase in blood pressure when administered cyclosporine.
Hundreds of former bone marrow transplant survivors from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will gather in Seattle for a reunion, sharing memories and hopes for the future. The event is part of the center's 25th anniversary celebration and includes activities such as presentations on latest research findings and workshops.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have discovered a novel agent that can prevent transplant reactions and promote immunological tolerance. The treatment, using an anti-CD28 antibody, could lead to safer and more effective transplants, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers found that stem cells provide a higher two-year survival rate (70%) compared to marrow transplants (45%) for certain high-risk blood cancer patients. The study suggests that stem cell transplants may offer fewer relapses with fewer complications.
Physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully induced a state of immune tolerance in a patient, allowing her to discontinue immunosuppressive drug treatment without rejecting a transplanted kidney. The breakthrough approach, known as mixed chimerism, has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation for thousand...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that prevents graft-versus-host disease by inactivating antigen-presenting cells. This technique targets T cell stimulation, reducing immune system suppression and potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Iowa report improved survival rates for women with stage IV breast cancer using a four-drug, high-dose chemotherapy treatment followed by a bone marrow transplant. The study found an overall survival rate of 38 percent, compared to projected rates of 32-30 percent in other studies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that induces mixed chimerism in four patients with treatment-resistant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Two patients achieved long-term remission without significant graft-versus-host disease, a dangerous complication of the procedure. The...
Children between 2-18 years old had the best success with a five-year survival rate of 68%, followed by adults with Crohn's disease. Intestinal transplantation improves quality of life, reducing reliance on intravenous nutrition and hospitalizations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that infusing donor bone marrow into the thymus significantly reduces rejection rates, especially with multiple doses. The study also showed promise in pediatric heart transplantation, where the procedure is both safe and feasible.