British Study on Stem Cells as Heart Treatment to Begin

British Study on Stem Cells as Heart Treatment to Begin

The Daily Mail reports that a 4 year study involving adult stem cells in 700 patients has been launched. The study will take place in three parts, treating three different kinds of heart conditions. The first group of patients are those who have heart failure due to heart disease or a prior heart attack. The second group have a heart muscle disorder called dilated cardiomyopathy, and the third group will consist of patients who have just suffered a heart attack.

The study will also test three different stem cell techniques. In two groups, stem cells will be extracted from the patients’ bone marrow in the hip and be injected directly into the heart or into the coronary arteries. Some patients will receive growth factor drugs in an attempt to have the body produce more stem cells without surgical intervention.

The study is being funded by the Heart Cells Foundation. It has also been reported by the BBC and other sources. According to the BBC, people interested in taking part in the clinical trial can get more information by calling 020 8983 2216, or by emailing laura.roberts@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk.