Adult stem cell breakthrough
We
missed this optimistic stem cell story at the time, but it’s too good to omit. In
March, researchers at University College London (UCL) gave a new trachea to a
10-year-old boy, using his own stem cells. The operation was a world first,
involving both hospital-based clinicians and laboratory-based scientists
collaborating with colleagues in Europe.

The
boy was born with Long Segment Tracheal Stenosis – a rare condition where the
windpipe does not grow and restricts breathing. A short time after birth, he
was given a conventional trachea transplant at the Great Ormond Street Hospital
for Children (GOSH), but his condition deteriorated last year. A metal stent was
implanted which eroded his aorta and caused severe bleeding.

A
transplant technique with adult stem cells was developed at UCL, GOSH, the
Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and the Careggi University Hospital in
Florence, Italy. Cells were stripped from a donated trachea. These were used to
replace the whole airway, and the child’s bone marrow cells were used to seal
the airway in the body.

This
technique – one that has not been used previously to treat a child – should
greatly reduce the risk of rejection by the body, as adult stem cells will not
generate an immune response. ~ UCL News Mar 19

Jared Yee
adult stem cells