Source: MIT Technology Review
Date: April 11, 2007
Summary:
MIT Technology Review reports on the new study carried out by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, and Northwestern University, in Chicago, using adult stem cells to treat type 1 diabetes:
"A combination of stem cells derived from patients' blood and immunosuppression to eliminate a faulty immune system can help keep newly diagnosed diabetics off insulin, according to a preliminary study published today. The findings, which still need to be verified in larger groups, are part of a growing effort to use immunotherapy to halt the progress of Type 1 diabetes."
The story continues:
"Previous studies of antibodies that block destructive immune cells have shown success for a limited period of time. The new study, which combines immunotherapy and stem-cell transplants, seems to improve beta-cell function. The combination therapy has previously been used in other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, but this is the first trial that tests it in diabetes."
Commentary: Replication of this finding over a large and heterogeneous population that is monitored over a long time will be important in order to determine how effective it is in treating patients.
