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Tailored doses of cytostatic improve survival rate

Researchers developed a protocol to optimise preparatory treatment with cytostatics prior to stem cell transplantation for children with chronic granulomatous disease, achieving higher survival rates and minimal adverse reactions. The study involved tailoring doses of fludarabine and busulfan based on blood levels, resulting in a 93% s...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 23, 2013

Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy

Cardiology researchers at Emory have developed a solution to improve the impact of stem cell therapy on heart function. By packaging mesenchymal stem cells in alginate capsules, they can increase cell retention and survival, promoting healing factors that encourage regeneration of blood vessels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 11, 2013

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may heal a mother's childbirth injury

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can promote recovery from simulated childbirth injury and reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. The treatment uses multipotent cells found in connective tissues, which home to damaged pelvic organs and release trophic factors to stimulate repair.

Research findings point to new therapeutic approach for common cause of kidney failure

Researchers have discovered a process defective in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. Induced pluripotent stem cells from patients were reprogrammed to study human kidney disease mechanisms, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy by correcting a protein defect.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 5, 2013

Biphasic electrical stimulation: A strategy may bring hope to spinal cord injury patients

Researchers have discovered that biphasic electrical stimulation can prevent apoptosis in stem cells used to treat spinal cord injuries, offering new hope for patients. The study's findings suggest that BES may be used to improve cell survival and prevent cell death in stem cell-based transplantation therapies.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 23, 2013

Human stem cell-derived hepatocytes regenerate liver function

Researchers have generated functional human liver cells from stem cells and transplanted them into mice with acute liver injury. The stem-cell derived human liver cells were able to function normally and increase the survival of treated animals. This breakthrough demonstrates a scalable method for producing these cells, which could lea...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2013

York scientists discover driving force behind prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a cancer-inducing DNA realignment in human prostate cancer stem cells that can lead to more effective therapies targeting the root cause of the disease. This breakthrough has challenged previous understanding of solid cancers and offers new opportunities for targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Sweet news for stem cell's 'Holy Grail'

Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 26, 2013

Stem cells aid recovery from stroke

A study published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy journal found that stem cells from bone marrow or fat improved brain and nerve repair after stroke in rats. The treated animals showed significant functional recovery, even without the stem cells migrating to the damaged area.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJan 27, 2013

Can the addition of radiolabeled treatments improve outcomes in advanced metastatic disease?

Researchers explored the benefits of adding radionuclide therapy to cancer treatment regimens for patients with advanced disease. Studies found improved tumor control rates and longer patient survival without significant side effects, suggesting a potential paradigm shift in cancer control.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateNov 13, 2012

University of Maryland School of Medicine scientists develop stem cell model for hereditary disease

Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine created a stem cell model for Gaucher disease, allowing them to test potential therapies in a dish. The study uses genetically similar stem cells that react to drugs like patient cells, accelerating drug discovery and bringing hope to patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2012

Moving toward regeneration

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that planarian stem cells, known as neoblasts, can mobilize and rebuild tissues lost to amputation. The team found that these stem cells remain pluripotent even in fully mature animals and migrate to the site of injury when needed.

Lenalidomide prolongs disease control for multiple myeloma patients after stem cell transplant

A Phase III clinical trial found lenalidomide treatment decreased the risk of progressive myeloma or death in stem cell transplant patients, with a 63 percent reduction in disease progression risk. The study's results support the use of lenalidomide maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation to improve patient outcomes.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2012