Pitt researchers study use of stem cells to heal heart
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People with severe angina and few treatment options might be able to join a national study that will examine whether their own blood stem cells can heal their hearts.
Researchers hope the cells will stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, in areas of the heart that don't get sufficient oxygen because of narrowed coronary arteries.
So far, six patients have enrolled in the study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and as many as 20 could join, said Dr. Joon Sup Lee, clinical director of the UPMC Cardiovascular Institute and principal investigator of the study's local arm.
A total of 150 coronary artery disease patients will be needed for the trial, which will be conducted at 15 to 20 medical centers and is sponsored by Baxter Healthcare Corp.'s cellular therapies unit.
The experimental stem cell treatment is "aimed at people with what we would call refractory angina, or chest pain and shortness of breath that's coming from inadequate blood flow to the heart," Dr. Lee explained. Many will have already had bypass surgery or other procedures, but still have symptoms.
In the study, participants will take a drug for five days that increases the number of stem cells in the blood circulation. Then the researchers will draw blood from the patient and collect and purify the stem cells in it.
With the help of a sophisticated cardiac navigation system, doctors inject the cells back into the patient. After the procedure, participants will be monitored with a symptom and activity diary, exercise testing, MRI scans and other assessments.
Adult patients who are taking maximum medical therapy for severe coronary artery disease and are not candidates for angioplasty, stents, bypass surgery or other conventional treatments could be eligible for the stem cell trial. For more information call UPMC Cardiovascular Institute at 412-647-6000.
First Published October 10, 2006 12:00 am
