Stem Cells for Breast Reconstruction

Filed in archive Breast Cancer on December 24, 2007

An article in the Ivanhoe Newswire tells us:

"Breast cancer patients who opt for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy may be able to see better results, thanks to a new technology involving stem cells."

The article goes on to explain:

"These cells, which have the ability to turn into other types of cells in the body, are then transplanted into the breast, where they take on the properties of typical breast tissue cells."

In Science Daily, J. Peter Rubin, M.D., assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has this to say about surgical methods of breast reconstruction:

"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 stem cells for breast reconstruction may improve this surgery because of the stem cell's ability to develop into different specialized cell types.