ScienceDaily (May 15, 2008) — Bladder regeneration via a neo-bladder replacement may prove to be effective in humans. The results of a new study, conducted in large mammals, presented May 15 at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), suggest that this process could result in a regenerated bladder with similar characteristics of the native bladder and without the risks associated with a donated organ or other undesirable outcomes associated with current surgical interventions.

Researchers are from Tengion, Inc., whose science and technology facility is located in Winston-Salem, NC.

Patients with advanced bladder disease often require cystectomy (removal of the bladder). Replacement bladders made from intestinal tissue have been proven to be successful but have also been associated with many well documented complications, such as chronic urinary retention, hematuria and infection.

Growing a replacement organ for a patient using his or her own cells presents a new option. After a bladder biopsy is obtained from a patient, bladder progenitor cells are grown in culture and seeded on a biodegradable bladder-shaped scaffold made from collagen and/or polyglycolic acid. The neo-organ is then implanted into the patient.

Fourteen large mammals that underwent radical cystectomy were implanted with the neo-bladder construct and within six months, structure and pharmacological characteristics of the neo-bladder were similar to the native bladder. There was no evidence of abnormal tissue development, immune response or evidence of systemic response to the neo-bladder regeneration. Results suggest that the new organ had successfully and safely regenerated.

“This treatment option essentially regenerates the patient’s own bladder, reducing the risk of rejection and the need for immunosuppressant drugs,” said Timothy Bertram, D.V.M., Ph.D. “If successful in human clinical trials, patients should expect to regenerate normal bladder structure and function.”

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Urological Association.

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Journal Reference:

1. Bertram TA, Christ GJ, Aboushwareb TA, Wagner BJ, Jain D, Ludlow JW et al: Total regenerated urinary bladders are structurally and pharmacologically similar to native tissue. J Urol, suppl., 2008; 179:76, abstract 215. [link]

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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