Source: Deccan Herald
Posted: September 26, 2006
Summary:
Researchers reported recently that stem cells harvested from patients’ own bone marrow improved cardiac function in heart attack patients months, years and even decades, after they suffered their attacks. The infusion of stem cells boosted cardiac pumping efficiency by seven percent in three months — a modest gain, but still a significant improvement for a chronic condition. The researchers also found tentative signs that patients can continue to improve with repeated stem-cell treatments. While the researchers are uncertain why the therapy works, the findings are a sign that the long-touted regenerative powers of stem cells may be moving from the laboratory into the realm of viable human therapies. Some researchers cautioned that it was too soon to say that the results could be translated into routine treatment.
Commentary: These results are a sign of progress in the development of effective stem cell treatments for heart attack patients. Hopefully the treatments will be successfully replicated and have successful long-term outcomes in a large and heterogenous patient population.
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