Haemopoietic stem cell therapy in cirrhosis: the end of the story?
(2018) The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Vol. 3, p. 3-5 (2018)
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- (en) Chronic liver diseases can lead to cirrhosis, characterised by fibrous septa dissecting the liver parenchyma, affecting both liver function (due to reduced functional mass) and normal intrahepatic venous pressure (due to increased stiffness). Some specific treatments for the underlying causes of the disease exist, such as antiviral treatment for hepatitis B or C virus infection, alcohol abstinence for alcohol-related liver disease, or weight loss strategies for metabolic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, whereas other causes remain difficult to treat (like genetic disorders or autoimmune problems). Despite existing strategies, some patients still progress towards end-stage liver disease and its associated complications, including ascites, peritonitis, variceal bleeding, or hepatocellular carcinoma. No treatment is available to specifically target fibrosis and cirrhosis, and liver transplantation remains the only curative option. To avoid progression towards end-stage liver disease ultimately requiring a rescue transplantation—which is not devoid of disadvantages (donor organ shortage, challenging surgery, and lifelong immunosuppression)—many researchers are investigating strategies to restore liver functionality. [...]
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Lanthier, N. (2018). Haemopoietic stem cell therapy in cirrhosis: the end of the story? The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 3, 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(17)30359-X (Original work published 2018)