Washington, Oct 27: US researchers are studying whether fat-derived stem cells can provide an alternative to breast reconstruction surgery or not.
Led by Dr. J. Peter Rubin, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, a team of researchers are testing fat-derived stem cells on animal models.
They believe that injections of such cells have the potential to regenerate breast tissues.
"The surgical options for breast reconstruction involve either the use of implants or a procedure whereby fat tissue taken from another part of the body is shaped into the form of a breast. Neither is ideal nor without risk. The use of adipose- or fat-derived stem cells may represent a better solution for soft tissue reconstruction in breast cancer patients," said Dr. Rubin.
The researchers are focusing their efforts on an approach that involves combining the fat-derived stem cells with microscopic beads composed of a type of extracellular matrix (ECM) that has regenerative properties.
The preliminary results of their study have shown that the stem cells can easily attach with the beads, and are able to differentiate into mature fat cells.
Dr. Rubin and his colleagues obtained fat-derived stem cells from breast cancer patients, and injected them in a rat model, which eventually formed a “mound” of tissues.
"We need to demonstrate that fat-derived stem cells taken from a breast cancer patient behave no differently than those from other women. Moreover, our studies will seek to understand what effect, if any, these stem cells may have on cancer cells. A major question is whether they will in some way promote the growth of cancer cells. We certainly hope this proves not to be the case," he cautioned.
The study is being funded by the National Cancer Institute. (ANI)