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Spleen's Role In Thal - Breakthrough under way? Introducing healthy cells into the spleen as a possible cure

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poo gill:
Hey Guys / Sharmin

Any news on this.?


Actually I had no idea that spleen can produce RBC's, I was only aware that spleen just protects the body and destroys the unwanted stuff in human body. Therefore it cannot distinguish the  thal rbc's to the normal rbc's as thal rbc's are not normally shaped.

Manal:
Sharmin, did you ask him about this subject???

manal

Sharmin:
Hi guys,

I did mention this during my July visit.  I did not have a chance to see Dr. Vichinsky at the time but I mentioned it to his associate.  He said that he had not heard of anyone attempting to transplant cells into the spleen.   He said that he would give it some thought, I have not heard back.  I think they were more concerned with getting my son's antibodies and iron levels under control at the time.  I will definitely bring it up again. 

My son's doctor however, (and he is the best doctor in our city) thought that the idea had potential especially in light of the surprising results they had in hemophilia and engraftment of liver tissue.  The spleen is definitely capable of extramedullary hemopoiesis.  Remember with thalassemia we just need some benefit, if certain cells in the body can make red blood cells it may be enough.  Also, considering that when cells are transplanted to the spleen some are also engrafted into the bone marrow.  If the spleen has already accepted these cells gvhd should not occur.   Of more benefit would be to target the spleen in gene therapy and then to attempt an autologous introduction of cells into the spleen.  It would be much better than having to ablate the marrow with chemotherapy. 

OH no there I go again making up my own science!! 

Let's see what the experts say!

Sharmin

Sharmin:
Andy,

Has there been any discussion at the conference along these lines? 

Sharmin

Andy Battaglia:
I wish I could say that there was a lot of new material at the conference, but when I see an article presented that I downloaded long ago and see the same presentations twice by different doctors, I can't honestly say that this conference had enough new material. That isn't to say that there weren't some really good presentations, particularly those from the top doctors, Wood, Piga, Porter, etc. Wood's presentation on the treatment of heart failure in thals should be the gold standard for every thal treating hospital in the world. I will talk more about this later. For me, the conference was very successful and I accomplished a great deal, but that is due to my own efforts. More to come.

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