Scientists have achieved a major milestone by growing blood stem cells in a lab for the first time.
This breakthrough could eliminate the need for bone marrow donors. The lab-grown stem cells, developed by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, closely mimic human blood stem cells and have survived beyond initial laboratory tests.
Clinical trials in humans are expected to begin in about five years. This advancement brings new hope for treating leukaemia, severe blood disorders, and children undergoing intensive chemotherapy.
The research, published in Nature Biotechnology, could transform the lives of patients like Riya Mahajan. At 11, Riya faced a life-threatening blood disorder and struggled to find a suitable bone marrow donor. After receiving a partial match from her mother and enduring a challenging recovery, Riya’s father, Gaurav, hopes this discovery will spare others from similar suffering.
"Seeing your child in pain is the hardest thing," Gaurav said. "This research could prevent other families from going through what we experienced."
Associate Professor Elizabeth Ng envisions a future where patient cells—taken from skin, blood, or hair—are reprogrammed in the lab and then reintroduced, matching the patient perfectly. This approach aims to reduce side effects and speed up recovery.
Professor Ed Stanley added that while this technology is not yet a cure, it will be a significant step in treatment, potentially eliminating the need for immune system suppression. The next phase will focus on ensuring the technology's safety and effectiveness, with an emphasis on scaling up for clinical use.
