Stem-cell breast regeneration

by S. C.

Italian researchers have developed a new technique that regenerates the breast tissue of cancer survivors without using invasive surgery, an expert said Monday.

The team at the Careggio University teaching hospital have successfully tested a method that uses stem cells, explained Professor Luigi Cataliotti.

Full details of the technique have not yet been revealed but it is based on the regenerative capacity of stem cells, which naturally occur in adult organs and tissues and repair damage caused by injury.

The technique uses fat from the patient's own body that has been enriched with stem cells. Stem cells are taken from one batch of fat tissue removed from the patient and mixed with another batch, which is then injected into the affected area. The stem cells ensure that the tissue grows of its own accord and enjoys a natural blood supply.

The Tuscan regional government has announced 100,000 euros of financing for additional research into regenerative techniques for breast surgery. Over 1,000 delegates will attend this week's conference, including breast pathology experts, oncologists, plastic surgeons and psychologists.