I am 61yr old male diagnosed with benign nephrosclerosis in 2001. Currently I am at end stage of kidney failure, however not requiring dialysis. I would like to get Dr. H L Trivedis input on the role of stem cell transplant as treatment modality for my renal condition.Thank you.
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Demand for kidney transplants is increasing. There are not enough donor organs to meet this growing need. Stem cell based therapies may offer an alternative solution. The Harvard Stem Cell Institute is developing new therapies to repair kidney damage, reducing the need for dialysis and transplantation. It is in the experimental stage and further research development is required before using these techniques in humans. Found in the bone marrow, these stem cells protect the kidneys from injury and accelerate healing. Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists have identified protein candidates secreted from mesenchymal stem cells that may be administered independently to aid in kidney repair.