Researchers and doctors have used adult stem cells to successfully treat 2-year-old Nate Liao, who had a rare, fatal skin disease called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis.
In October, Nate received a cord-blood and bone-marrow stem-cell transplant from his brother, Julian. Their mom said Nate's skin is already stronger. Nate, who was never able to eat normal food, is now eating pork chops and chips. Another brother, Jake, underwent a similar transplant last week.
Dr. John Wagner, a bone-marrow specialist and stem-cell researcher at the University of Minnesota, said this is the first time a bone-marrow transplant has successfully treated something other than disorders of the bone marrow or blood. He said he hopes this will pave the way for cures for a number of skin disorders.
“This clinical trial using adult stem cells is resulting in dramatic improvements for these boys,” said Dawn Vargo, bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action. “Unlike life-destroying embryonic stem cells, which have yet to be used in any clinical trials, adult stem cells are proving, again, to be a success.”
