Stem Cells Speed Liver Tissue Growth

Germany scientists have, for the first time, used adult bone marrow stem cells to regenerate healthy human liver tissue.

Heinrich-Heine University researchers in Dusseldorf used the stem cells to help quickly regenerate liver tissue in cancer patients unable to undergo surgery because removing the cancerous tissue would leave too little liver to support the body.

Our study suggests that liver stem cells harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow can further augment and accelerate the liver’s natural capacity to regenerate itself, said Dr. Gunther Furst, a professor of radiology and co-author of the investigation.

The study included 13 patients with large central liver malignancies who were unable to undergo surgery because resection would leave less than 25 percent of their total liver volume.

The study appears in the April issue of the journal Radiology.