Stem Cells: New Hope For Post-Cancer Breast Growth

[Contrary1]

My friend, a fellow breast cancer survivor, called me from Australia with this news. I went through breast reconstruction, which failed; so I find this research exciting.

A bit too late for me, but potentially great news for future breast cancer victims.


"According to reports out of Australia, researchers in the field of Microvascular and Reconstructive Surgery are about to begin testing a way in which women could re-grow breasts using their own fat cells.

Stem cells that would be implanted under a biodegradable chamber or form in the breast region, attached to a blood supply coming from the woman's armpit and stimulated to grow using a liquid solution.

The hopes are that within 4 to 6 months, enough fat tissue would develop in the form of the breast contour of the chamber to resemble the woman's breast. The potential benefit for a procedure like this ranges from reconstruction treatment after mastectomy for breast cancer, to therapy for any severe physical defect after disfiguring trauma, to even cosmetic/elective breast augmentation.

For breast cancer patients, at least, this treatment appears to be at least 3 years away, and for elective/cosmetic indications, it is likely a decade away before being readily available. The challenges for regrowing breasts are significant because breast tissue is made of fat, glands and muscle and typically is considered to be hormonally-responsive, in that hormonal stimulation can effect changes in the breast itself..."

Video: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/12/healthwellness/entry5630240.shtml

[Rhiannon12866]

1. Terrific news! K&R.

So sorry that reconstruction did not work for you, but this news sounds very promising... Thanks for posting!:hug: