Stem cell transplants could be used in the treatment of type one diabetes, according to the results of a clinical trial published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. The study, led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), found that stem cells from patients with diabetes can help prevent or treat their disease. After the treatment, most of the patients were able to stop administering insulin for an average of 3.5 years. While some patients received no benefit from transplantation, Roep and his team discovered a so-called "immune signature" that could determine which indiviuals will be receptive to the procedure.
Stem cell transplants could be used in the treatment of type one diabetes, according to the results of a clinical trial published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. The study's senior author, Dr Bart Roep, and his colleagues tested a technique called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on 21 patients with type one diabetes. After the treatment, most of the patients were able to stop administering insulin for an average of 3.5 years. While some patients received no benefit from transplantation, Roep and his team discovered a so-called "immune signature" that could determine which indiviuals will be receptive to the procedure.