In the April issue of the journal Radiology, researchers published a report that says they have used adult bone marrow stem cells to regenerate healthy human liver tissue.
When cancer invades the liver sometimes it is impossible to have surgery performed to remove the tumor. This is because there is not enough healthy liver left behind to support the body. These stems cells help to regenerate the healthy portion of the liver so surgery can be performed.
Gunther Furst, M.D, coauthor and professor of radiology, says "Our study suggests that liver stem cells harvested from the patients own bone marrow can further augment and accelerate the liver's natural capacity to regenerate itself."
1. Kristi,
This is great! Because it is not in my plans to even be put on the liver transplant list, this sounds to be a promising alternative. I just wonder if being in stage 4 would make a difference in the Dr's decision to do a stem cell? This is exciting. Not being able to take the ribavirin or alpha-interferon, or other meds, my only alternative is diet, as I have mentioned before. So, here is another option now. This is definitely good news for myself and many others I'm sure.
I can only hope and pray now that my insurance will cover this procedure. The fact that they are able to harvest from my own bone marrow is a plus. Isn't it? Looking forward to discussing this with my Gastroenterologist. Thank you for this article.
Blessings to all, Jason
Posted at 12:16PM on Apr 15th 2007 by Jason Chambers