First stem cell transplant . . .

First stem cell transplant centre to cure killer diseases

Article: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200609210322.htm

New Delhi, Sept. 21 (PTI): Killer diseases like leukaemia, stroke, diabetes and crippling spinal cord injuries could soon be treated at the country's first stem cell transplant centre to be launched in Chennai next month.

Patients suffering from haematological and oncological ailments would be treated first using stem cells from various sources -- adult bone marrow, umblical cord blood and peripheral blood.
"Stem Cell therapy is fast emerging asn a revolutionary way to treat various diseases and injuries with wide ranging medical benefits," said Anthony Finch, who joined as Advisor to LifeCell, which is launching the country's first stem cell transplant centre.
Stem cell transplantation has been used for more than 30 years to treat a variety of cancers as also some types of solid tumours where other treatments have failed.

"Bone marrow cells are being used for transplants for the past 30 years. Its only in 1988 that the first cord blood transplant was done," Prasad Mangipudi, Vice President LifeCell told reporters here.

The transplant centre would be operational by next month, Mangipudi said adding that he would like to wait for six months before venturing out on an expansion plan.

LifeCell currently offers umblical cord stem cells banking facilities and has about 4,000 subscribers, Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that retain the ability to produce an identical copy of themselves when they divide and differentiate into other cell types.

They have the ability to act as a repair system for the body replenishing other cells as long as the host organism is alive.