Rapid growth of cells in bone marrow looks promising for cancer treatment and transplant patients
Scientists with University Health Network and funded in part by the Canadian Cancer Society have discovered a new class of human stem cells that grow rapidly when implanted in the bone marrow of mice.
The latest discovery is a major advance in human stem cell research that could radically improve the outlook for many people with cancer as well as helping transplant patients to quickly replenish their blood cells.
The research findings build on pioneering work by Professor John Dick at the University of Toronto's Molecular and Medical Genetics department, senor scientist with UHN who led the project.
The breakthrough came by transplanting human stem cells directly into the bone marrow of immunodeficient mice, which will not reject the human cells, instead of the usual method of intravenous infusion into the blood stream.
What the team found was a new subpopulation of stem cells, which rapidly repopulated the blood-producing system of the mice, giving high levels of blood cells within the first week or two after transplant, or 1-2 weeks earlier than the normal rate.
"We believe this discovery provides the foundation to explore improved stem cell treatments in humans," explains Dr. Dick. "While a great deal has been learned in the last 40 years about why stem cell transplants work, there has been limited improvement in how they are carried out."
The research findings have far-reaching implications for cancer or transplant patients whose immune systems are weakened by their treatment. These patients are very vulnerable to infections, usually for as long as three weeks after treatment.
"For the first time we have found human stem cells that rapidly rebuild a blood system. The potential is that it may allow transplant patients to quickly regain their blood cells, which are critical to their immune system."
The findings have been published in the advance on-line version of the International scientific journal, Nature Medicine.
Reference
F Mazurier, M Doedens, O I Gan & J E Dick. Nature Medicine online, June 2003. "Rapid myeloerythroid repopulation after intrafemoral transplantation of NOD-SCID mice reveals a new class of human stem cells."
Keywords : Canada Universoty of Toronto University Health Network UHN Candian Cancer Society Stem cell research Human stem cells Bone marrow transplant Immunodeficient mice Nature Medicine
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