Researchers in Cleveland Ohio with the support of University Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital have started a study to evaluate if they can alleviate patients’ inflammation from cystic fibrosis by using stem cells.
Cystic Fibrosis
This debilitating disease causes the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids to become sticky and thick. This problem is typically more visible within the lungs where it causes the tubes and passageways to become plugged.
A group of researchers is taking a new approach to treating the disease. The team led by Dr. James Chmiel is providing patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis with an infusion of mesenchymal stem cells. According to Dr. Chmiel, those cells once delivered have the potential to provide much-needed relief.
“Once in the patient’s body, the stem cell tracks to the area where there’s a significant amount of inflammation, and they take up residence there. The stem cells then respond to the environment, and hopefully reverse some of the abnormalities. We hope in future studies to demonstrate that the stem cells reduce the infection and inflammation and return the lungs to a more normal state.” – Dr. James Chmiel
Researchers will track patient progress over the course of a year. Monitoring will include an evaluation of the clinical success of treatment as well as to evaluate the ongoing safety of using this form of treatment.
Treatment Effectiveness
For the study to be deemed successful, the stem cells will need to reduce lung inflammation while also validating that the patients’ immune systems are not adversely impacted.
This study is supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and if successful, will be expanded to a larger population.
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