A worldwide coalition of researchers has agreed that light therapy is an effective intervention for preventing oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. The new guidelines recommend photobiomodulation therapy, a low-dose light therapy, to prevent the painful ulcers resulting from radiation therapy.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are making progress in growing small intestines using stem cells, offering hope for premature babies with severe intestinal issues. The field of tissue engineering holds promise for this population, potentially improving treatment options and quality of life.
Scientists at ETH Zurich found that a cellular mechanism called SCF detects and targets alpha-synuclein fibrils for breakdown. This mechanism could be used to develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation may also offer new options.
Researchers develop a stem cell therapy that restores smell in mice by replacing damaged olfactory neurons. The treatment shows promise for treating various causes of olfactory loss and may lead to new treatments for humans.
Researchers developed a gel-based delivery system to improve tissue regeneration in kidney injuries. The study found that the system could significantly enhance cell proliferation and survival, leading to rapid functional recovery.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that immature intestinal cells can develop into stem cells based on their surroundings. The discovery may lead to more effective stem cell therapy for non-healing wounds and tissue repair.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh discovered a protein that switches on an immune response in stem cells, protecting them from viruses. This finding could help develop more efficient stem cell therapies to treat diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes.
Researchers find that human iPSCs can efficiently produce highly purified extracellular vesicles for treating aging-related diseases. These vesicles contain proteins and other treatments that can help repair damaged cells, and may one day be used to treat progeria and ALS.
Researchers have discovered that human iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation-associated 50-gene signature, which is also expressed in pluripotent stem cells. This finding highlights the potential of iMSCs to act via paracrine signalling and circumvent drawbacks associated with adult MSCs.
Researchers at Newcastle University develop a potential revolutionary way to treat eye injuries and prevent blindness by using an enzyme to soften the tissue hosting stem cells. This approach has important implications for developing new ways to heal corneal damage, which affects almost 500,000 people worldwide.
Researchers at Tufts University have successfully grown and maintained olfactory stem cells in culture, which can then be used to restore tissue in the nose. The discovery raises hope that future therapies could be developed to restore the sense of smell in individuals where it has been damaged by injury or degeneration.
Lian's team developed a new method to differentiate stem cells into pancreatic beta cells, using small molecules that stimulate cell signaling pathways. The approach aims to create functional beta cells from stem cells for Type 1 diabetes treatment and has the potential for broad commercial impact.
Researchers have discovered a role for programmed cell death in wound healing and tissue regeneration, potentially paving the way to novel regenerative medicine therapies. Adult stem cells undergo apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, which can impact their function and fate.
New advances in stem cell biology and genetic engineering could lead to more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease, including cell replacement therapies. The development of quality-assured stem cells with unlimited production capacity offers a promising approach to alleviating motor symptoms.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have developed a patient-specific stem cell-based therapy that prevents blindness in animal models of geographic atrophy, a leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. The therapy successfully integrates transplanted cells into the retina and restores photoreceptor health.
Researchers at NYSCF identified two growth media types that support effective expansion of mesenchymal progenitor cells for bone treatment and repair. MP cells have promise in treating blood, heart, and immune diseases as well as repairing damaged bone and cartilage.
Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose using stem cell activation to target glioma tumors. The approach aims to bring cancerous stem cells into an active state, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy. This method has been approved for publishing and is considered promising despite its risks.
Recent advancements in Parkinson's disease treatment hold promise for patients, with gene therapy approaches showing potential, and brain stimulation techniques also being explored. Despite progress, hurdles persist, and understanding the reasons for treatment failure is crucial to overcoming the disease.
A new study by University of Plymouth researchers has identified Prominin-1, a protein that plays a crucial role in stem cell activation and differentiation. The discovery highlights Prominin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating cancer and regenerating damaged tissues.
A new virus- and oncogene-free induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has been developed to produce safer pluripotent stem cells from cord blood and peripheral blood. This approach aims to address safety challenges inherent with pluripotent stem cell therapies.
A recent study found that cancer stem cells rely on amino acids for energy, rather than glucose, and this difference makes them susceptible to targeting without harming healthy cells. Researchers have already shown promise with this approach in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia, with potential applications to other cancers.
Grickscheit aims to develop an 'off-the-shelf' stem cell-based therapy that might not require immunosuppression, a substantial step forward for metabolic liver disease. The UPLiFT investigation will test the effective dose and regimen of the therapy.
Researchers created a biodegradable scaffold to transplant stem cells and deliver drugs, promising relief from central nervous system diseases and injuries. The nano-size scaffolds mimic natural tissue and show promise for advanced stem cell transplantation and neural tissue engineering.
Extracellular vesicles, or 'cellular dust', have shown therapeutic properties similar to stem cells without their disadvantages. These gel-like vesicles can be produced by a single donor for several patients and have demonstrated potential in repairing heart, liver, and kidney lesions.
A study analyzed over 1,000 medical crowdfunding campaigns for five unproven treatments, raising nearly $6.8 million. The campaigns were found on four platforms and included homeopathic cancer treatments and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for brain injury.
A computer-guided algorithm may help scientists find the right spot to split a protein and then reassemble it, enabling new medical treatments and biosensors. The researchers developed a mathematical model of a protein's structure, giving them the ability to identify optimal split sites.
A new study examines Canadian clinics marketing unproven stem cell treatments, highlighting regulatory gaps and potential risks to patients. The majority of marketed treatments target orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, with some companies advertising for a wide range of disorders.
Researchers developed a novel method to enhance native stem cell bioelectric signals, achieving ultra-high current levels two-orders of magnitude higher than previous methods. The new method uses 2D-molybdenum disulphide sheets, demonstrating improved commercialization and therapeutic safety for future stem cell-based therapies.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have made a breakthrough in treating myocardial infarction, with stem cells found to exist in vascular walls and intracardiac blood vessels. These cells may be able to regenerate damaged cardiac muscle tissue in response to heart attacks.
The guidelines outline lessons learned by experts in various fields to identify early signs and symptoms of treatment-related toxicity, detailing ways to manage it. Key recommendations include monitoring for cytokine release syndrome and addressing parent and/or caregiver concerns.
Researchers explore two approaches to stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease, one using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and the other utilizing parthenogenetic-derived neural stem cells. The latter approach offers advantages in terms of reduced immunogenicity and evasion of ethical issues surrounding embryos.
Researchers identify essential switch AMPK that activates mitophagy in leukemia stem cells, offering potential new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. Without AMPK, LSCs are stressed to death, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
Researchers developed a refillable, implantable device called Therepi that can deliver drugs and therapies directly to diseased tissue. The device increases heart function for more than four weeks when stem cells are repeatedly delivered.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that treatment with cirmtuzumab measurably inhibited the 'stemness' of CLL cells, allowing most patients to forego additional therapy for over eight months. The drug targets ROR1, a molecule exploited by cancer cells to promote tumor growth and spread.
Researchers have identified kidney stem cells of human origin in amniotic fluid, a promising source for cell replacement therapies. The study shows an increase in these cells with gestational time, making amniotic fluid a valuable source of fetal stem cells with regenerative potential.
A new cell therapy has been developed to aid heart recovery without implanting cells, using extracellular vesicles secreted by cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The therapy shows promising results in recovering cardiac function and reducing arrhythmias in rat models of myocardial infarction.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate a stem cell therapy using MultiStem in severely injured trauma patients to prevent post-injury organ failure and improve recovery rates. The Phase 2 clinical trial aims to enroll approximately 150 patients and is subject to FDA review and approval.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new type of 'sleeping' stem cell in the brain that has a high potential for repair following brain injury or disease. The G2 quiescent stem cell can awaken and produce key brain cells, such as neurons and glia, faster than previously identified quiescent stem cells.
A new study reveals that spaceflight triggers cellular adaptations in heart cells, paving the way for novel stem cell therapies. Researchers found altered calcium signaling pathways that could be harnessed to improve heart repair.
Researchers found that gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors can only temporarily alleviate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) by replacing the defective gene. A long-term solution requires targeting genetic mutations in adrenocortical stem cells, according to a study published in Human Gene Therapy.
Clinical trials have produced encouraging results for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in treating feline inflammatory diseases, such as chronic gingivostomatitis and enteropathies. However, further research is needed to answer questions about logistics and optimal use of the treatment.
A growing number of centers are advertising stem cell therapies for knee osteoarthritis, claiming an 80% success rate. However, research has found poor levels of evidence to support the efficacy of these treatments, and no correlation between treatment costs and effectiveness.
Researchers at CU Anschutz have discovered a new approach to reprogramming adult skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with unprecedented efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new corrective stem cell-based therapies for currently incurable diseases like Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Researchers found that manipulating culture environment and 'priming' stem cells can enhance their function, optimizing therapeutic potential for diseases in humans and animals. The study's results demonstrate a significant enhancement of reparative capacity in stem cells treated with interferon gamma.
Scientists have successfully developed a biologically accurate mass-production platform for bioengineering human liver tissues suitable for therapeutic transplant into people. The new process allows researchers to generate single batches of up to 20,000 genetically matched, three-dimensional and highly functional liver micro-buds.
Researchers discovered Ryk's chaperone, Smek, which regulates key genes transforming stem cells into brain cells. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of brain development and may lead to new therapies for neurological diseases and brain cancer.
A new Northwestern Medicine clinical trial found that stem cell therapy did not improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease, despite exercise showing significant improvements. The study led by Dr. Mary McDermott demonstrated that regular exercise can increase six-minute walking distance in patients with PAD.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered a link between energy metabolism and epigenetic code in leukemias and brain cancer. The enzyme BCAT1 plays a key role in the development of malignant tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer.
A boy suffering from extensive skin damage due to epidermolysis bullosa was successfully treated with genetically modified stem cell transplants. The treatment resulted in the growth of high-quality, stress-resistant skin, allowing him to attend school and participate in social life.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has identified a specific subset of adult blood stem cells responsible for regenerating the entire blood and immune system. The 5% subset, marked as CD34+CD45RA-CD90+, was found to rebuild all different cells of the blood and immune system within 10 days after being infused in nonhuman primates.
Researchers review the effectiveness of stem cells and emerging agents in preventing and treating neurodegenerative pathologies. They discuss potential advantages and obstacles of using different types of stem cells and present evidence for further study of certain compounds.
Dr. Paul Tesar receives the 2017 NYSCF Robertson Stem Cell Prize for his pioneering work on pluripotent epiblast stem cells, which holds promise for treating neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and pediatric leukodystrophies.
A new study published in Circulation Research found that umbilical cord-derived stem cells improved heart muscle function and quality of life for patients with stable heart failure. The treatment was safe and showed significant improvements over placebo, paving the way for a promising new therapy.
A new study in mice found that transplantation of donor stem cells from human brain tissue can help repair an injured spinal cord. However, the effectiveness of these stem cells is hindered by the body's immune response to injury. Immune cell depletion can improve the recovery outcome for animals receiving transplanted stem cells.
After stem cell therapy, tests like SPEP/SIFE and SFLCA may yield oligoclonal patterns that resemble the original monoclonal antibody spike. However, this is a normal response to treatment, not recurrence of the disease. The key clarifier lies in tracking the location of the malignant spike before and after treatment.
Researchers develop a potential stem cell treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis by harvesting lung stem cells noninvasively and multiplying them in the lab. The therapy has shown promising results in treating IPF in rodent models.
A new review examines the role of various stem cells in corneal wound healing, highlighting similarities and differences in the process. Stem cell transplantation may fine-tune wound healing and provide benefits for patients.
Scientists have identified a molecular handle to purify cells destined to become insulin-producing cells, enabling a streamlined and cost-efficient process for generating glucose-responsive beta cells. The discovery aims to address safety and end product consistency challenges in cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a synthetic material that can trigger reversible cell signaling, enabling potential treatments for Parkinson's and other diseases. The material can be used to control stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and return to a proliferative state on demand.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a potential therapy using stem cells loaded with oncolytic viruses to target skin cancer metastases in the brain. The study found that this approach led to the elimination of metastatic skin cancer cells from the brain, resulting in prolonged survival.