By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

More:
Robin Roberts found a match, but others likely won't be as lucky

Recommendation and review posted by sam

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

Link:
Roberts found a match -- others won't

Recommendation and review posted by sam

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

Read more here:
Roberts found a match -- others won't be as lucky

Recommendation and review posted by sam

OTTAWA The Ottawa Hospital is looking to gain a foothold in the fast-growing field of personalized medicine, which involves using gene sequencing to help doctors predict which drugs would work best for a particular patient.

The hospital has drawn up plans to set up a molecular diagnostics lab with the technology to decode hundreds of genes, or even the entire genomes of patients, which could yield new approaches for treating cancer and other serious diseases.

Details of the plan are still being worked out, and no funding has yet been committed to the project. The hospital is looking to raise $380,000 in seed money to get the lab off the ground. Another $1 million would have to be raised to buy the gene-sequencing equipment.

Hospital officials say the lab would mark a key step in making the relatively new technology of DNA sequencing a standard part of medical care. It would also position the hospital for an emerging field in which the medical establishment has placed great hope: studying entire genomes all of a patients DNA and identifying every mutation involved in a particular disease.

Experts say the approach would enable treatments to be customized to an individual patients genetic profile, which is miles away from the traditional trial-and-error method of giving every patient the same drugs in the hope of benefiting the fortunate few.

Down the road, the hospital wants to establish a teaching program that would train a new generation of pathologists with the skills to practise personalized medicine.

This is a very realistic vision, and I want Ottawa to be positioned as a provincial centre of excellence for molecular diagnostics, said Paula Doering, the hospitals vice-president of clinical programs.

Currently, the use of gene sequencing is most advanced in cancer care. Doctors use the information to guide more precise treatment, or to tailor drugs to the genetic traits of patients, with the goal of giving them a better chance of survival.

The idea is to avoid wasting precious time and money on potentially ineffective treatments, which expose countless patients to harmful side effects and inflate the nations drug spending.

Of the 7,000 cancer patients who are treated annually at The Ottawa Hospital, a high proportion receive testing for selective genes or chemical markers, especially if they have certain types of breast, lung, colorectal or gastrointestinal cancer, said Dr. David Stewart, the hospitals head of medical oncology.

See the original post here:
Ottawa Hospital eyes expansion into cutting-edge ‘molecular medicine’

Recommendation and review posted by sam

LAS VEGAS, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --While many doctors continue to struggle with stagnant or decreasing revenues, long wait times for patients and the frustration that comes with dealing with medical insurance companies, others are saying personalized healthcare has helped turned their practices around.

Find out if personalized healthcare is right for you at a unique session for medical professionals that will be held immediately following the open to the general public "Live Better, Longer Optimal Health and Wellness withHormones, Nutrition and Preventive Medicine" Seminar, Saturday, June 16, from 11-noon at Life Time Athletic 10721 W. Charleston Blvd. Summerlin, NV 89135 Third Floor Conference Room.

During the special follow-up session, Dr. Michael S. Mall, Personalized Health Care, will explain why he, and many other experts, believe personalized health care is the future of medicine in the United States.

"Personalized healthcare provides doctors with an easier business model to reach out to patients with personalized and preventative healthcare," Mall said. "In fact, studies have shown that patients receiving personalized healthcare make, on average, 65% less hospital visits than patients receiving traditional medical care."

Mall said personalized healthcare offers a number of benefits for both patients and doctors. For example, patients enjoy:

Meanwhile, physicians get steady monthly revenue that ranges from $1,500 to $2,200 per patient and that includes a 90% yearly renewal rate.

Session attendees will learn how to take advantage of the growing personalized healthcare trend to organize their practice in a way that increases sales and profits while allowing them to provide improved patient care.

They'll also learn how to increase gross sales by over $1 million in just one year; receive financial tips from a Wells Fargo banker who specializes in helping medical practices; learn how to start using age management programs to send sales soaring; and much more.

In addition, the follow-up session will include more information on hormone therapy and how it in particular and anti-aging/age management programs in general can help increase a practice's profits.

Read the rest here:
Attention Doctors: Is Personalized Healthcare the Answer to Your Practice Woes? Find Out at Upcoming Seminar

Recommendation and review posted by sam

GUELPH Three young adults with spinal cord injuries are to be key participants in the citys annual Wheels in Action event Sunday.

The event to raise money, support and awareness for people with spinal cord injuries will again be staged at the University of Guelph. The three featured young people with spinal cord injuries all have ties to the university. They are undergraduate student Drew Cumpson graduate student Sandra Burton and resident Jesse Redden.

Cumpson was the subject of a community benefit function earlier this year in Guelph. He suffered his injury on the final day of a two-week volunteer trip to Peru in May 2011. Burton suffered a spinal cord injury just before her 18th birthday. She graduated from Guelph with a child studies degree in 1998 and earned a masters degree in speech language therapy. She is now a speech pathologist for preschoolers and made media headlines earlier this year when she gave birth to twin girls.

A car accident led to an incomplete spinal cord injury for Redden, now 23. Initially in a Hamilton hospital, he is now completing rehabilitation in Guelph, including taking part in the SpinFit exercise program at St. Josephs Health Centre. He can now walk with assistance.

We are also happy to bring the focus of the Wheels in Action event to our Guelph community and the amazing folks that live here, said Cyndy McLean, director of the Health and Performance Centre, who brought the original Wheels event to Guelph.

Wheels in Action is a Guelph spin on the annual Wheels in Motion event started by Olympic wheelchair champion Rick Hansen and held by U of G since 2004.

The event will begin at noon at the U of Gs Athletics Centre; registration starts at 10:30 a.m.

Before Sundays event, local school teachers and students will also highlight the fundraiser and the challenges faced by people living with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities by spending time in wheelchairs. Stephanie Clarke, a U of G graduate and Grade 4 teacher at Paisley Road Public School, and student Jenica Centurione will spend the day in wheelchairs.

Guelph Wheels in Action will include a 2. 5 kilometre walk-roll-run, wheelchair activities, a free barbecue, entertainment and childrens activities. Participants collect pledges individually or as a team. The Canadian Disability Resource Council (a registered charitable organization) will help process pledges and donations in person and online, and will provide tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.

This is a great way to celebrate Fathers Day by wheeling, biking, skating, running or walking through the beautiful University of Guelph campus, said McLean, a former marathon runner who became paraplegic following a 2003 accident.

Read the original:
Guelph’s Wheels in Action set for Sunday

Recommendation and review posted by sam

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) today announced a partnership with Cellular Dynamics International (CDI), the world's largest producer of human cells derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, to commercialize a set of three new products optimized to consistently develop and grow human iPS cells for both research and bioproduction.

The partnership marries CDI's leadership in human iPS cell development with Life Technologies' expertise in stem cell research tool manufacturing and global distribution network to make these novel technologies accessible to researchers around the world. Life Technologies' commercialization of Essential 8 Medium, Vitronectin (VTN-N), and Episomal iPSC Reprogramming Vectors addresses several challenges associated with developing relevant cells for use in a wide range of studies, from basic and translational research to drug discovery efforts. The effectiveness of these products is the focus of recent validation studies published in the journals Nature Methods and PLoS One.

"The launch of these new stem cell culture products furthers CDI founder and stem cell pioneer Jamie Thomson's vision to enable scientists worldwide to easily access the power of iPSC technology, thus driving breakthroughs in human health," noted Bob Palay, CDI Chief Executive Officer.

To eliminate the variability introduced by a mouse cell feeder layer previously used during the culture of human iPS cells, researchers have adopted "feeder-free" media. However, existing feeder-free culture media contain more than 20 interactive ingredients, many of which, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lipids, are highly uncharacterized and vary significantly from lot-to-lot.This leads to variability in iPS cell growth and differentiation and impedes the progress of disease studies and potential clinical applications.

Essential 8 Medium, manufactured in a Life Technologies current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility, overcomes this barrier. In addition, BSA and other undesirable components have been removed from the media, thus reducing the number of ingredients to just eight well-characterized elements required to support efficient growth, eliminate variability, and enable large-scale production of human iPS cells.

"Essential 8 has far fewer variables, it's more straight-forward and a lot more reproducible," said Emile Nuwaysir, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Cellular Dynamics International. "If the goal is to make a billion cardiomyocytes a day, every day, you want to make sure they're all the same. That's virtually impossible using mouse embryonic fibroblasts and it's very difficult using the more complex, feeder-free media that were available before Essential 8."

Optimized for use with Essential 8 Medium, Vitronectin (VTN-N) is a defined, human protein-based substrate that further eliminates variability during iPS cell culture unlike most existing feeder-free media that requires the use of an undefined matrix derived from mouse tumor cells for cell attachment and growth. The combination of Essential 8 Medium and Vitronectin (VTN-N) provides a defined, culture system free of non-human components for robust, cost-effective and scalable iPS cell culture.

Life Technologies is also introducing the Episomal iPSC Reprogramming Vectors, which leverages non-viral, non-integrating technology to deliver six genes to initiate the reprogramming of human somatic cells, such as blood and skin cells, to iPS cells. A non-viral approach offers a key advantage: human-derived iPS cells have more relevance for patient-specific, disease research. Traditional viral-based methods, such as lentivirus or retrovirus, require integration into the host genome for replication and can disrupt the genome of the reprogrammed cells.

"The ability to reproducibly establish andculture iPS cells using defined reagent systems is key for the advancement of stem cell research, disease modeling and drug discovery," said Chris Armstrong Ph.D, General Manager and Vice President of Primary and Stem Cell Systems at Life Technologies. "The commercialization of these exciting new products serves that purpose and underscores our commitment to provide the most innovative and relevant workflow tools to our customers."

All three products were developed at the University of Wisconsin by Dr. James Thomson, whose lab pioneered embryonic stem cell research and much of the technology surrounding stem cell culturing conditions, in vitro differentiation and iPS cell generation.

Follow this link:
Life Technologies and Cellular Dynamics International Partner for Global Commercialization of Novel Stem Cell ...

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

A few years ago, concerns over these heart trials were voiced by a Norwegian professor, Harald Arnesen. He concluded in 2007 that they are not convincing and that one German team had achieved striking results only because the control group in its trial had done particularly badly. Prof Arnesen called for a moratorium on this kind of stem-cell therapy.

That still did not deter the clinicians. This January, another trial funded by the EU was announced the largest of all, with 3,000 heart-attack patients recruited from across Europe.

The idea behind the trials is straightforward. During a heart attack, a clogged blood vessel starves heart muscle of oxygen. Up to a billion heart muscle cells, called cardiomyocytes, can be damaged, and the body responds by replacing them with relatively inflexible scar tissue, which can lead to fatal heart failure. So why not implant stem cells that can grow into cardiomyocytes?

Stem cells, of course, come in many kinds: the embryonic variety have the potential to turn into all 200 cell types in the body. Adult stem cells, harvested from the patient, have a more limited repertoire: bone marrow stem cells generate blood cells, for example. So to claim, as was done in 2001, these bone marrow stem cells could turn into heart muscle was both surprising and exciting.

Analysis shows that, at best, the amount of blood pumped during a contraction of one heart chamber rose by 5 per cent after treatment. In a patient where heart efficiency has fallen to 30 per cent of normal, that could be significant but it is relatively meagre, none the less. And it turns out that this level of improvement results whatever the cells injected into the damaged muscle even if they have no prospect of forming cardiomyoctes.

Even the believers in the technique now agree that implanted cells exert a paracrine action, triggering a helpful inflammatory response or secreting chemicals that boost blood vessel formation. But were still waiting for convincing evidence that a patients lost heart muscle cells can be replaced.

Embryonic stem cells offer one route to that goal, though it is difficult to turn them into the right cell type reliably, and there are other risks, such as uncontrolled growths. Another option has come from work by Prof Richard Lee at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, who has found that some adult stem cells can recruit other stem cells already in the heart to become cardiomyocytes.

Meanwhile, other fields of medicine that have seen more systematic research on stem cells are making real progress in using them for example, to treat Parkinsons, diabetes and macular degeneration. The lesson here is that, ultimately, it takes careful experiments, not belief, to make that huge leap from the laboratory to the hospital.

Roger Highfield is director of external affairs at the Science Museum Group

Originally posted here:
Heart disease and stem-cell treatments: caught in a clinical stampede

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

Getty Images file

By Lisa Flam

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts made some news of her own today: Shes been diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a condition once known as pre-leukemia. Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, said she received the diagnosis several months ago and will receive a bone marrow transplant from her older sister later this year.My doctors tell me Im going to beat this and I know its true,she wrotewhen she announced her diagnosis. MDS is a pre-cancerous disorder half way between benign and malignant, said Dr. Martin Tallman, chief of the leukemia service at New Yorks Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It occurs when the bone marrow produces blood cells that break apart and disintegrate when they enter the blood stream.

When the marrow produces blood cells, theyre cracked, theyre fragile and faulty and they disappear, he said.Those disappearing blood cells leave patients with a low blood count, Tallman told msnbc.com, which can leave patients feeling fatigued from anemia, susceptible to infections like pneumonia and suffering from internal bleeding. The condition is curable, though it can also lead to fatal complications, primarily through infection, and some MDS patients develop leukemia.

MDS is more common in people over 60, and in most cases, doctors dont know why they developed the disorder, though genetic changes that take place as people get older are thought to be the cause. A minority of MDS patients develop the disorder following chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Sometimes treatment for cancer can lead to other serious medical issues and thats what Im facing right now, Roberts said on the air this morning, noting that she beat breast cancer five years ago. Tallman explains that as chemotherapy drugs are killing cancer cells, they can also cause genetic changes in healthy cells, which can lead to whats called treatment-related MDS. We are able to cure certain disease but we pay a price, he said.

About 12,000 people a year are diagnosed with MDS in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The number of cases of MDS is rising, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering website, because there is a growing population of older people, and because patients are living longer after being treated for their first cancer.

For years, patients with MDS were treated with antibiotics and blood transfusions, but three new types of chemotherapy drugs to fight MDS became available starting in about 2004, said Tallman, a hematologist-oncologist.They are effective in about 30 percent to 40 percent of patients, he said. Some patients dont require treatments at all and can live with the disease; others are cured with the chemotherapy drugs alone. The only proven cure for MDS is a stem cell transplant, Tallman said, describing what it also called a bone marrow transplant.

Roberts says she is beginning a pre-treatment regimen of chemotherapy today before undergoing the bone marrow transplant. Her doctors gave her a good outlook, she wrote.

They say Im younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.

The rest is here:
'GMA' host Roberts on illness: 'I will beat this'

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

(CNN) -

Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66 percent for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93 percent for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7 percent are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12 percent), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

It's a disparity that's come up time and again. Last year, the death of Shannon Tavarez attracted attention because doctors were unable to find a bone marrow match for the young Broadway star, who had acute myeloid leukemia.

"It's absolutely critical to have more people on the registry," Chell said. "You're more likely to find a match with someone who shares your common ancestry or ethnicity."

Be the Match tests the immune system's genetic coding to determine bone marrow compatibility. The human immune system has evolved over thousands of years, which is why racial and ethic background is so important. For instance, European-Americans' ancestors may have survived the medieval plague, while African-Americans could have a natural immunity to malaria because of their ancestors' environmental pressures.

If a good match isn't found, the donor's immune system will attack the sick patient's "foreign" cells in a condition called graft-versus-host disease.

See the original post here:
Roberts found a match; others won't be as lucky

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

See the original post here:
Robin Roberts found a match, but others likely won't be as lucky

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

Read more here:
Roberts found match; many not as lucky

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

updated 1:44 PM EDT, Tue June 12, 2012

2009: Robin Roberts on her cancer

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.

Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.

Be the Match, the national registry, has 10 million potential donors, but only 7% are African-American. While the percentage is comparable to the overall African-American population in the United States (which is 12%), the registry is meeting only about a third of the needs for African-American transplants, said Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

See the rest here:
Roberts found a match -- others won't

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) has announced new sales and marketing initiatives for its Lifeline Skin Care products (www.lifelineskincare.com). These efforts are designed to enable Lifeline to robustly, strategically and profitably grow the business.

Consumer Advertising

During June and July, new integrated advertising campaigns will be launched in three marketing channelsonline, in newspapers and magazines, and through direct mail. The campaigns will feature Lifelines innovative stem cell technology and proof of the brands potential: younger looking skin. Although the ads will eventually be national in reach, the first few months will be devoted to optimizing the creative approach, targeting, frequency, timing, positioning, offer and ROI.

Key Opinion Leader and Peer Group Influencer

Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, one of the nation's top dermatologists, is now endorsing Lifeline Skin Care to both consumer and trade audiences. Dr. Hale is an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, a private practitioner and a guest of the Doctor Oz show, the Today Show and Good Morning America. During the week of June 4 she met with beauty editors for Prevention, Health, Town and Country, Allure, FoxNews.com and InStyle, to present Lifeline Skin Care and its unique technology. The endorsement of a leading dermatologist should not only enhance the credibility of the brand but increase its visibility.

Strategic Partners

Email campaigns through strategic partners have been very successful at marketing Lifeline products. To expand that effort, several new key opinion leaders have now agreed to endorse Lifeline Skin Care to their social networks, including Mrs. Jeri Thompson, a conservative spokesperson, radio and TV guest and advocate for non-embryonic stem cell research; and authors, experts and media personalities in the areas of women's health, yoga, cosmetic dentistry, and retirement planning. Many of these partners plan to market Lifeline through their social network (email marketing, blogs, Facebook, etc.) as well as through personal and radio appearances. Most of these campaigns will launch during the third quarter.

Professional Channels

During the week of June 12, Lifeline is launching two campaigns directed to 27,000 cosmetic dermatologists and day spas. These campaigns are focused on providing information to skin care professionals, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, to understand and embrace the significance and value of stem cell extracts for skin rejuvenation.

See more here:
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Marketing Plans for Its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) today announced a partnership with Cellular Dynamics International (CDI), the world's largest producer of human cells derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, to commercialize a set of three new products optimized to consistently develop and grow human iPS cells for both research and bioproduction.

The partnership marries CDI's leadership in human iPS cell development with Life Technologies' expertise in stem cell research tool manufacturing and global distribution network to make these novel technologies accessible to researchers around the world. Life Technologies' commercialization of Essential 8 Medium, Vitronectin (VTN-N), and Episomal iPSC Reprogramming Vectors addresses several challenges associated with developing relevant cells for use in a wide range of studies, from basic and translational research to drug discovery efforts. The effectiveness of these products is the focus of recent validation studies published in the journals Nature Methods and PLoS One.

"The launch of these new stem cell culture products furthers CDI founder and stem cell pioneer Jamie Thomson's vision to enable scientists worldwide to easily access the power of iPSC technology, thus driving breakthroughs in human health," noted Bob Palay, CDI Chief Executive Officer.

To eliminate the variability introduced by a mouse cell feeder layer previously used during the culture of human iPS cells, researchers have adopted "feeder-free" media. However, existing feeder-free culture media contain more than 20 interactive ingredients, many of which, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lipids, are highly uncharacterized and vary significantly from lot-to-lot.This leads to variability in iPS cell growth and differentiation and impedes the progress of disease studies and potential clinical applications.

Essential 8 Medium, manufactured in a Life Technologies current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility, overcomes this barrier. In addition, BSA and other undesirable components have been removed from the media, thus reducing the number of ingredients to just eight well-characterized elements required to support efficient growth, eliminate variability, and enable large-scale production of human iPS cells.

"Essential 8 has far fewer variables, it's more straight-forward and a lot more reproducible," said Emile Nuwaysir, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Cellular Dynamics International. "If the goal is to make a billion cardiomyocytes a day, every day, you want to make sure they're all the same. That's virtually impossible using mouse embryonic fibroblasts and it's very difficult using the more complex, feeder-free media that were available before Essential 8."

Optimized for use with Essential 8 Medium, Vitronectin (VTN-N) is a defined, human protein-based substrate that further eliminates variability during iPS cell culture unlike most existing feeder-free media that requires the use of an undefined matrix derived from mouse tumor cells for cell attachment and growth. The combination of Essential 8 Medium and Vitronectin (VTN-N) provides a defined, culture system free of non-human components for robust, cost-effective and scalable iPS cell culture.

Life Technologies is also introducing the Episomal iPSC Reprogramming Vectors, which leverages non-viral, non-integrating technology to deliver six genes to initiate the reprogramming of human somatic cells, such as blood and skin cells, to iPS cells. A non-viral approach offers a key advantage: human-derived iPS cells have more relevance for patient-specific, disease research. Traditional viral-based methods, such as lentivirus or retrovirus, require integration into the host genome for replication and can disrupt the genome of the reprogrammed cells.

"The ability to reproducibly establish andculture iPS cells using defined reagent systems is key for the advancement of stem cell research, disease modeling and drug discovery," said Chris Armstrong Ph.D, General Manager and Vice President of Primary and Stem Cell Systems at Life Technologies. "The commercialization of these exciting new products serves that purpose and underscores our commitment to provide the most innovative and relevant workflow tools to our customers."

All three products were developed at the University of Wisconsin by Dr. James Thomson, whose lab pioneered embryonic stem cell research and much of the technology surrounding stem cell culturing conditions, in vitro differentiation and iPS cell generation.

Originally posted here:
Life Technologies and Cellular Dynamics International Partner for Global Commercialization of Novel Stem Cell ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 12-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Kelly jpkelly@utmb.edu 409-772-8791 University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have developed a powerful visual analytical approach to explore genetic data, enabling scientists to identify novel patterns of information that could be crucial to human health.

The method, which combines three different "bipartite visual representations" of genetic information, is described in an article to appear in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. The work won a distinguished paper award when it was presented at the AMIA Summit on Translational Bioinformatics in March 2012.

In the paper, the authors use their technique to analyze data on genetic alterations in humans known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs. Among other things, the frequencies of particular SNPs are associated with an individual's ancestral origins; for the study, the researchers chose to examine SNP data from 60 individuals from Nigeria and 60 individuals from Utah.

"We selected SNPs that we already knew differentiated between the two groups, and then showed that our method can reveal more about the data than traditional methods," said UTMB associate professor Suresh Bhavnani, lead author on the JAMIA paper and a member of UTMB's Institute for Translational Sciences. "This is a fresh way of looking at genetic data, a methodological contribution that we believe can help biologists and clinicians make better sense of a variety of biomarkers."

Like many kinds of biomedical data, Bhavnani said, datasets describing individuals and their SNPs are particularly suited to visual representations that are bipartite: that is, they simultaneously present two different classes of data. In the case of the Utah-Nigeria SNP data, Bhavnani and his colleagues started with what is known as a bipartite network visualization an intricate computer-generated arrangement of colored dots and black, gray and white lines.

"In the bipartite network you see both the individuals and their genetic profiles simultaneously, and cognitively that's really important," Bhavnani said. "You can look at the individuals and know immediately which SNPs make them different from others, and conversely you can look at the SNPs to see how they are co-occurring, and with which individuals they are co-occurring. This rich representation enables you to quickly comprehend the complex bipartite relationships in the data"

The bipartite network visualization of the Utah-Nigeria individual-SNP data has distinct clusters on its left and right sides that correspond to the Utah and Nigerian subjects and SNPs. It also accurately portrays a genetic phenomenon called admixture, in which an individual possesses SNPs that are characteristic of individuals from Utah as well as from Nigeria. Admixed individuals are placed on the edges of their clusters, relatively close to the center of the visualization. The identification of admixed individuals, and the implicated SNPs could help in the design of case-control studies where there is a need for the selection of homogenous sets of individual from different ancestral origins.

To produce an even more detailed picture of the individual-SNP information, the researchers applied two other bipartite visualization techniques to the data: the bipartite heat map, and the bipartite Circos ideogram. In the heat map, rectangular cells laid out in a spreadsheet-like arrangement and colored white, gray, or black helped precisely define the boundaries of the clusters by clarifying individual-SNP relationships. In the Circos ideogram, individuals and SNPs placed around the perimeter of a circle and linked with curved lines, enabling the researchers to more closely examine the admixed individuals' ties to SNPs in the clusters associated with both Utah and Nigeria.

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UTMB researchers create powerful new method to analyze genetic data

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SAN MARINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Viral Genetics (VRAL.PK) today published a Letter to Shareholders on its website at: http://www.viralgenetics.com/shareholder-letters/Letter-to-Shareholders-Jun-12.PDF.

The Company elected not to issue a May shareholder letter due to the release of the comprehensive 2011 year-end financial statements and Annual Report, and the press release updating the physicians Investigational New Drug (IND) study on drug-resistant cancer to take place at two Texas universities, which together provided extensive updates on the Companys activity through the end of May.

Highlights from Shareholder Letter

About Viral Genetics, Inc.

San Marino, California-based Viral Genetics discovers drug therapies from two platform technologies based on over 60 patents: Metabolic Disruption (MDT) and Targeted Peptides (TPT). Founded in 1994, the biotech company is researching treatments for HIV/AIDS, Lyme Disease, Strep, Staph and drug resistant cancer. A majority-owned subsidiary, VG Energy (www.vgenergy.net), is dedicated to exploring biofuel and agricultural applications for the MDT platform. For more information, visit http://www.viralgenetics.com.

About VG Energy

VG Energy Inc. is an alternative energy and agricultural biotech company that is a majority-owned subsidiary of Viral Genetics Inc., a biotechnology company researching new treatments and methods of detection for diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS and others. Using its Metabolic Disruption Technology (MDT), Viral Genetics cancer research led to discoveries with major consequences in a wide variety of other industries, including biofuel, vegetable oils and other high value oils and chemicals. VG Energy holds the exclusive worldwide license to the MDT patent rights for use in the increase of production of various plant-derived oils from algae and seeds. These pivotal discoveries promise to allow the biofuel industry to overcome its major obstacle in the area of production efficiency: namely, an increase in production yields leading to feasible economic returns on investment, allowing renewable biodiesel to be competitive with fossil fuels. For more information, please visit http://www.vgenergy.net.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties associated with financial projections, budgets, milestone timelines, clinical development, regulatory approvals, and other risks described by Viral Genetics, Inc. from time to time in its periodic reports, including statements about its VG Energy, Inc. subsidiary. None of Viral Genetics' drug compounds are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or by any comparable regulatory agencies elsewhere in the world, nor are any non-pharmaceutical products of VG Energy, Inc. commercialized. While Viral Genetics believes that the forward-looking statements and underlying assumptions reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, including, but not limited to, the ability of Viral Genetics to establish the efficacy of any of its drug therapies in the treatment of any disease or health condition, the development of studies and strategies leading to commercialization of those drug compounds in the United States, the obtaining of funding required to carry out the development plan, the completion of studies and tests on time or at all, the successful outcome of such studies or tests, or the successful commercialization of VG Energy, Inc.s non-pharmaceutical products. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Viral Genetics or any other person that the objectives and plans of Viral Genetics will be achieved.

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Viral Genetics Publishes June 2012 Monthly Letter to Shareholders

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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By Lisa Flam

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts made some news of her own today: Shes been diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a condition once known as pre-leukemia. Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, said she received the diagnosis several months ago and will receive a bone marrow transplant from her older sister later this year.My doctors tell me Im going to beat this and I know its true,she wrotewhen she announced her diagnosis. MDS is a pre-cancerous disorder half way between benign and malignant, said Dr. Martin Tallman, chief of the leukemia service at New Yorks Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It occurs when the bone marrow produces blood cells that break apart and disintegrate when they enter the blood stream.

When the marrow produces blood cells, theyre cracked, theyre fragile and faulty and they disappear, he said.Those disappearing blood cells leave patients with a low blood count, Tallman told msnbc.com, which can leave patients feeling fatigued from anemia, susceptible to infections like pneumonia and suffering from internal bleeding. The condition is curable, though it can also lead to fatal complications, primarily through infection, and some MDS patients develop leukemia.

MDS is more common in people over 60, and in most cases, doctors dont know why they developed the disorder, though genetic changes that take place as people get older are thought to be the cause. A minority of MDS patients develop the disorder following chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Sometimes treatment for cancer can lead to other serious medical issues and thats what Im facing right now, Roberts said on the air this morning, noting that she beat breast cancer five years ago. Tallman explains that as chemotherapy drugs are killing cancer cells, they can also cause genetic changes in healthy cells, which can lead to whats called treatment-related MDS. We are able to cure certain disease but we pay a price, he said.

About 12,000 people a year are diagnosed with MDS in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The number of cases of MDS is rising, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering website, because there is a growing population of older people, and because patients are living longer after being treated for their first cancer.

For years, patients with MDS were treated with antibiotics and blood transfusions, but three new types of chemotherapy drugs to fight MDS became available starting in about 2004, said Tallman, a hematologist-oncologist.They are effective in about 30 percent to 40 percent of patients, he said. Some patients dont require treatments at all and can live with the disease; others are cured with the chemotherapy drugs alone. The only proven cure for MDS is a stem cell transplant, Tallman said, describing what it also called a bone marrow transplant.

Roberts says she is beginning a pre-treatment regimen of chemotherapy today before undergoing the bone marrow transplant. Her doctors gave her a good outlook, she wrote.

They say Im younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.

Excerpt from:
'GMA' host Roberts on illness: 'I will beat this'

Recommendation and review posted by sam

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) has announced new sales and marketing initiatives for its Lifeline Skin Care products (www.lifelineskincare.com). These efforts are designed to enable Lifeline to robustly, strategically and profitably grow the business.

Consumer Advertising

During June and July, new integrated advertising campaigns will be launched in three marketing channelsonline, in newspapers and magazines, and through direct mail. The campaigns will feature Lifelines innovative stem cell technology and proof of the brands potential: younger looking skin. Although the ads will eventually be national in reach, the first few months will be devoted to optimizing the creative approach, targeting, frequency, timing, positioning, offer and ROI.

Key Opinion Leader and Peer Group Influencer

Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, one of the nation's top dermatologists, is now endorsing Lifeline Skin Care to both consumer and trade audiences. Dr. Hale is an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, a private practitioner and a guest of the Doctor Oz show, the Today Show and Good Morning America. During the week of June 4 she met with beauty editors for Prevention, Health, Town and Country, Allure, FoxNews.com and InStyle, to present Lifeline Skin Care and its unique technology. The endorsement of a leading dermatologist should not only enhance the credibility of the brand but increase its visibility.

Strategic Partners

Email campaigns through strategic partners have been very successful at marketing Lifeline products. To expand that effort, several new key opinion leaders have now agreed to endorse Lifeline Skin Care to their social networks, including Mrs. Jeri Thompson, a conservative spokesperson, radio and TV guest and advocate for non-embryonic stem cell research; and authors, experts and media personalities in the areas of women's health, yoga, cosmetic dentistry, and retirement planning. Many of these partners plan to market Lifeline through their social network (email marketing, blogs, Facebook, etc.) as well as through personal and radio appearances. Most of these campaigns will launch during the third quarter.

Professional Channels

During the week of June 12, Lifeline is launching two campaigns directed to 27,000 cosmetic dermatologists and day spas. These campaigns are focused on providing information to skin care professionals, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, to understand and embrace the significance and value of stem cell extracts for skin rejuvenation.

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Marketing Plans for Its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care

Recommendation and review posted by sam

The work of celebrated spinal cord injury activist and leading political scientist illustrates the benefits of strong Canada-Israel relations

TORONTO, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (CFHU) today announced that Mr. Rick Hansen and Prof. Janice Gross Stein were awarded Honorary Doctorates by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at a ceremony held in Jerusalem on June 10. Mr. Hansen was chosen to deliver the convocation address to 2012 PhD graduates at the opening session of the 75th meeting of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Board of Governors.

Last year, Rick Hansen signed an agreement with the Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC) of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to further advance research into spinal cord injury (SCI). Specifically, this agreement broadens the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, an international database used to collect and analyse information related to SCI and subsequent clinical treatments.

"I am very proud to have received an Honorary Doctorate from Hebrew University of Jerusalem," says Rick Hansen. "For the last 25 years, I have dedicated my life to finding a cure for SCI. This work has given me the opportunity to meet inspiring and passionate people from all over the world, including many research scientists and medical professionals. The IMRIC team at Hebrew University are world-class. I have consistently been impressed by their vision of bringing together the best minds in research science, across disciplines, across borders and irrespective of race or religion. As a Canadian, I am proud of the relationships that we have built with Israeli institutions and the personal friendships I now enjoy with many Israelis. I am particularly proud of the academic and research ties that unite our two countries. I would strongly urge any Canadian organization pursuing scientific research to reach out to IMRIC in order to investigate collaborative potential," adds Mr. Hansen.

As a scholar specializing in conflict resolution, Janice Gross Stein has forged strong ties between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. Prof. Gross Stein's work has directly contributed to Canadians' understanding of politics and life in the Middle East.

"As an academic, I have devoted more than 40 years to the study of politics in the Middle East," continues Janice Gross Stein. "During that time, my work has permitted me to travel extensively throughout the region. I began working with scholars at Hebrew University many years ago. Over time, I have developed collaborative partnerships and personal friendships with members of the faculty. I have been impressed by the intellect, commitment and vision of these scholars seeking innovative solutions to enduring conflict. My research has focused on the psychological underpinnings of decision making and I have worked closely with scholars in Israel to deepen our knowledge and to inform public policy. As a Canadian, it is my hope that our research can help shape policy at home and especially in the Middle East, where conflict is entrenched," notes Prof. Gross Stein.

"The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to recognize two very distinguished Canadians," says Menahem Ben-Sasson, President, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "Rick and Janice come from very different worlds. But, both have pursued their life's work with great perseverance and conviction. And, we at Hebrew University have had the good fortune and the honour of getting to know each of them. In the spirit of acknowledging individual accomplishment and advancing Israel-Canada relations, we are delighted to welcome Rick Hansen and Janice Gross Stein as Honorary PhDs of our university", concludes Prof. Ben-Sasson.

About The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, founded in 1918, is Israel's first university. The university's founders, including: Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein, Martin Buber and Sigmund Freud, were leaders, thinkers and humanitarians whose genius inspired their vision of a great university that would have no limits or borders. The founding charter declared that the institution would be open to every qualified man and woman irrespective of religion, race or nationality. Ranked as one of the world's leading research universities, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's faculty and researchers are at the forefront of the international scientific and academic communities. Many top prizes and awards have been won by its graduates and faculty including eight Nobel Prizes. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind in an atmosphere free of discrimination and prejudice. For more information, please visit: http://www.huji.ac.il/huji/eng/.

About the Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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Hebrew University of Jerusalem awards honorary doctorates to two prominent Canadians: Rick Hansen and Janice Gross Stein

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The cure that helped Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts beat breast cancer may have caused the new disease shes battling, experts said Monday.

And before Roberts undergoes a bone marrow transplant to combat MDS, or myelodysplastic syndrome, she will need to subject her already weakend body to even more chemotherapy.

I know it seems counterintuitive, said Dr. Azra Raza, who heads the MDS Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. But this is the only way we know how to get rid of these damaged cells before we can start treatment.

MDS is a disease of the blood and bone marrow that if left untreated can lead to leukemia and death.

It is a relatively rare condition, said Raza. The are 15,000 cases diagnosed annually every year in the U.S.

Patients who have been exposed to benzene or who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer are the most susceptible to MDS, said Azra.

Sometimes stem cells are damaged during radiation or chemotherapy, Raza said. MDS is a bad disease to have.

There are different degrees of severity, added Robert Bona, Professor of Medical Sciences at Quinnipiac University. The ones that are most severe are treated with bone marrow transplants, if theyre young enough and a donor can be found.

Bone marrow donors are scarce, especially for African-American women.

Luckily for Roberts, her sister Sally-Ann Roberts, an anchor at a New Orleans TV station, is a match. And the 51-year-old newscasters age and otherwise good physical condition greatly improve her chances of licking this disease, the experts said.

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Robin Roberts’ breast cancer cure may have caused new illness

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

istock

"Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts announced this morning that she has myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS. The syndrome is also known as preleukemia.

MDS can be broken down by its name: Myeloid refers to a type of blood cell; dysplasia means a problem with the development of those cells.

The condition occurs when "something goes wrong in your bone marrow -- the spongy material inside your bones where blood cells are made," according to the Mayo Clinic.

A healthy person's bone marrow produces stem cells that mature into blood cells. But the bone marrow of a person with MDS produces abnormal stem cells that turn into defective blood cells.

Deformed cells get into the bloodstream and eventually outnumber healthy blood cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. Often the deformed blood cells don't live as long as they should, producing a shortage in the body.

There are several types of MDS, depending on the kind of myeloid cells - red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets - that are being affected. Having too few red blood cells results in anemia; having too few white blood cells can result in frequent infections.

The term "preleukemia" is a bit misleading, as most MDS cases do not become cancerous. Certain types of MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia, however.

MDS can be caused by exposure to chemotherapy and radiation, common cancer treatments. (Roberts is a breast cancer survivor.)

Symptoms are rare during the early stage of the disease, but can include tiredness, shortness of breath and easy bruising/bleeding. Doctors generally diagnose through a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy.

Continued here:
What is preleukemia or MDS?

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

061112_RobinRobertsABC_ftrGood Morning America host Robin Roberts announced June 11 that she was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a blood disorder affecting the stem cells in the bone marrow. Celebrities and first lady Michelle Obama have already offered their support on Twitter!

Robin Robertshas a special connection to The Obamas: She found out she was interviewingPresident Obama on the very same day she underwent a painful bone marrow extraction. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life, Robin wrote on her blog. And First Lady Michelle Obama was quick to offer her condolences to the GMA host.

.@RobinRoberts, Barack and I have you in our prayers. We believe in you and thank you for bringing awareness and hope to others. mo, Michelletweeted June 11.

Heres what other celebs tweeted about Robin:

prayers for Robin Roberts tweeted hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.

We all love you & are cheering you on!! tweeted fellow journalist Katie Couric.

I wish my friend@RobinRobertsthe strength, faith & love she will need on this new journey. I send all that and more. tweeted Maria Shriver.

More on Robin Roberts:

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Michelle Obama & More Celebs Tweet At Robin Roberts After MDS Diagnosis

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

"Good Morning America" co-host Robin Roberts, who five years ago beat breast cancer, said Monday that she has now been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder caused by chemotherapy for her cancer. She is now taking chemotherapy in preparation for receiving a bone marrow transplant from her sister later this year. Because she is relatively young and healthy, the combination of treatments should cure the condition, doctors have told her.

Myelodysplastic syndrome is sometimes known as pre-leukemia, and many researchers now believe that, if untreated, it will progress to acute myeloid leukemia. It most commonly strikes people between the ages of 58 and 75, but can occur at any age, particularly if the patient has had cancer chemotherapy. It is estimated to affect as many as 50 Americans per 100,000, with about 20,000 new cases each year.

It is a disease of the bone marrow -- the semi-liquid tissue inside bones that produces blood cells. Stem cells in the bone marrow develop into two types of cells, myeloid and lymphoid. Lymphoid cells go on to become white blood cells that fight infections. Myeloid cells develop into three different types of cells: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; platelets, which control bleeding by forming clots; and white blood cells. In myeloplastic syndrome the myeloid cells stop developing; they do not function normally and either die in the bone marrow or soon after they enter the blood. The dysfunctional cells crowd out healthy cells.

Symptoms are often not apparent, but can include shortness of breath, weakness or tiredness, pale skin, easy bruising and bleeding, and fever or frequent infections. The best treatment for the type of disorder Roberts is suffering is to kill all the stem cells with chemotherapy, then replace them with functioning stem cells from a donor -- in this case, her sister. Treatment is usually more effective when the disorder has been caused by chemotherapy.

Roberts announced her condition on the show and on the ABC blog, saying she will continue her job at "Good Morning America" and that "My doctors tell me Im going to beat this and I know its true."

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'Good Morning America' co-host Robin Roberts has blood disorder

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ScienceDaily (June 11, 2012) Studying mice and humans, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and their collaborators in Paris have identified two proteins that are required to maintain a supply of stem cells in the developing kidney.

In the presence of the two proteins, FGF9 and FGF20, mouse kidney stem cells stayed alive outside the body longer than previously reported. Though the cells were maintained only five days (up from about two), the work is a small step toward the future goal of growing kidney stem cells in the lab.

In the developing embryo, these early stem cells give rise to adult cells called nephrons, the blood filtration units of the kidneys.

The results appear online June 11 in Developmental Cell.

"When we are born, we get a certain allotment of nephrons," says Raphael Kopan, PhD, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Developmental Biology. "Fortunately, we have a large surplus. We can donate a kidney -- give away 50 percent of our nephrons -- and still do fine. But, unlike our skin and gut, our kidneys can't build new nephrons."

The skin and the gut have small pools of stem cells that continually renew these organs throughout life. Scientists call such pools of stem cells and their support system a niche. During early development, the embryonic kidney has a stem cell niche as well. But at some point before birth or shortly after, all stem cells in the kidney differentiate to form nephrons, leaving no self-renewing pool of stem cells.

"In other organs, there are cells that specifically form the niche, supporting the stem cells in a protected environment," Kopan says. "But in the embryonic kidney, it seems the stem cells form their own niche, making it a bit more fragile. And the signals and conditions that lead the cells to form this niche have been elusive."

Surprisingly, recent clues to the signals that maintain the embryonic kidney's stem cell niche came from studies of the inner ear. David M. Ornitz, MD, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology, investigates FGF signaling in mice. Earlier this year, Ornitz and his colleagues published a paper in PLoS Biology showing that FGF20 plays an important role in inner ear development.

"Mice without FGF20 are profoundly deaf," Ornitz says. "While they are otherwise viable and healthy, in some cases we noticed that their kidneys looked small."

Past work from his own lab and others suggested that FGF9, a close chemical cousin of FGF20, might also participate in kidney development. FGF20 and FGF9 are members of a family of proteins known as fibroblast growth factors. In general, members of this family are known to play important and broad roles in embryonic development, tissue maintenance, and wound healing. Mice lacking FGF9 have defects in development of the male urogenital tract and die after birth due to defects in lung development.

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Clues found to way embryonic kidney maintains its fleeting stem cells

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