Cancer patients whose own white blood cells aren’t adequately fighting the disease may someday be able to benefit from a transfusion of cells from healthier donors, according to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center researchers.
Cancer Cure for Mice: Will it Work for Humans as Well?
The researchers announced the results of their study in which they had a 100 percent success rate in curing laboratory mice with advanced cancer by transfusing them with white blood cells from cancer-resistant mice. They are hoping that an upcoming human trial will produce equally impressive results.
White Blood Cell Transfusion
In the human trial, researchers will transfuse a type of white blood cells called granulocytes from healthy donors with strong immune systems into patients who have malignant tumors caused by advanced cancer. They plan to study the patients’ progress after three months to gauge any effects and evaluate whether their bodies are able to handle the amount of granulocytes required for treatment.
For further information: “Promising Cancer Treatment Ready for Human Trial,” U.S. News & World Report: Health Day, June 30, 2008.
See Related Articles
Ever wonder what your chances are of getting a cancer diagnosis? Find out in How Likely Are You to Get Cancer?
For more information on cancer treatment options, see Vitamin C Injections Show Promise in Treatment of Cancer.
