Doctors at a London hospital have started treating heart attack patients with their own stem cells in the largest trial of its kind ever undertaken. <\/p>\n
The patients at the London Chest Hospital are among the first of 3000 participants in a Europe-wide study looking at the life-prolonging potential of stem cell therapy. <\/p>\n
All will be treated within five days of suffering a heart attack. Stem cells taken from bone marrow will be injected into their hearts in the hope of increasing survival rates by a quarter. <\/p>\n
The European Commission has contributed STG4.8 million ($A8.91 million) to the BAMI trial taking place in 10 European countries. <\/p>\n
It follows the 'Regenerate' series of three smaller charity-funded studies led by Barts Health NHS Trust consultant cardiologist Professor Anthony Mathur. <\/p>\n
'The BAMI study is the biggest and most comprehensive trial of its kind in the world and follows the successful Regenerate trials,' said chief trial co-ordinator Prof Mathur. <\/p>\n
'It has taken two years to get to the point where we are ready to accept patients, but we have now reached that stage and we are all very excited. <\/p>\n
'Our studies will tell us if adult stem cells from bone marrow can repair damaged hearts and, if so, how these cells should be administered to patients.' <\/p>\n
Co-researcher Professor John Martin, from University College London, said: 'This trial brings together a powerful partnership of European doctors and scientists to solve a fundamental problem of importance to all people. It will give an answer about whether adult multi-potential stem cells in their natural environment can treat human disease.' <\/p>\n
Stem cells are immature 'mother' cells capable of developing into different tissue types. <\/p>\n
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