Many researchers have attempted to use stem cells for sickle cell anaemia treatments in recent years. Details of a new stem cell treatment protocol that may finally cure the condition have just been released. The research was published in the journal Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation earlier this month.
The study documents a clinical trial performed by a team of researchers from Chicago. Although the trial was successful, the team recommends the treatment be tested on a larger group to confirm its viability.
Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited condition that causes some red blood cells to be malformed (sickle shaped). The misshapen cells cannot carry oxygen to other parts of the body and can cause obstructions in blood vessels.
To use stem cells for sickle cell anaemia, the researchers need to find two people who share the same human leukocyte antigens (HLA) — a protein that tells the body if a cells are foreign or natural. People who have the same HLAs are said to have a match and can safely share stem cells with one another, without fear of immune system rejection. HLA markers are passed down from parents to children, which is why siblings and parents can often donate stem cells to one another.
Unfortunately, only 20% of people with sickle cell anaemia have a stem cell match available. This new treatment works around this problem by only requiring a half-match of HLA markers when performing a stem cell transplant.
As senior researcher, Damiano Rondelli, explains “We have made great strides curing adults with sickle cell disease with stem cell transplants, but the unfortunate truth is that the majority of these patients have, until now, been unable to benefit from this treatment because there are no fully-matched HLA-compatible donors available in their family.”
The treatment increases the dose of radiation used before the transplant and transplants growth factor mobilised peripheral blood stem cells instead of bone marrow cells. These two modifications help the body accept the transplant. This breakthrough will help doctors use stem cells for sickle cell anaemia more often.
Source: Stem Cells from Half-Matched Donors in New Approach Reported to Cure 7 Sickle Cell Patients
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