NIH launches study of stem cell transplantation for severe, treatment-resistant lupus
U.S. - Researchers at the Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a five-year study to see whether treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplant, stem cells found in blood marrow bone, can produce a long-term remission for patients with severe, treatment-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus (or lupus), an autoimmune rheumatic disease that can affect major organs of the body. The study includes a component of basic research to examine the role of B and T cells, white blood cells of the immune system to trigger lupus symptoms.In this pilot study, 14 patients aged between 15 and 40 will receive stem cell therapy, in which their stem cells are extracted from their bone marrow. These cells are the different types of blood and
immune system cells in the body, are collected and purified. After the bone marrow of patients treated with immunosuppressants, destroys the disease-causing immune cells, stem cells in the bone marrow is returned. Stem cells are re-colonize the bone marrow and body to the proper functioning of the immune system to build.Initial treatment requires several outpatient visits followed by a two-week hospitalization. Patients are then monthly doctor visits for six months, quarterly visits for two years and annual visits for the remainder of the study. After treatment, the researchers to determine whether this treatment produces a sustained remission without recurrence of 24 months. Many patients with severe lupus have limited treatment options that can provide temporary relief
of symptoms and no regression of the disease.For these patients, therapy with stem cell transplantation may offer hope of a normal immune system function, said Stephen I. Katz, MD, Ph.D., director of the NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Muscular and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).severe forms of lupus can devastate patients, causing pain, fatigue, depression, and in some cases, premature death. Patients entering this pbs guarantees a bipartisan movement sensitive australian medica
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