A pioneering cell therapy has been hailed as offering 'real hope' to patients suffering from advanced liver disease, according to researchers from the University of Edinburgh. The findings from a clinical trial suggest that this new treatment could become the first effective therapy for advanced liver disease, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
Clinical Trial Results
The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, involved 50 patients with advanced liver disease. Of these, 26 received the macrophage therapy while 24 received standard medical care. After four years, 70% of patients treated with the cell therapy were alive without requiring a liver transplant, compared to only 40% in the control group. There were eight deaths and no liver transplants among the treated group, while the standard care group saw nine deaths and five liver transplants.
How the Therapy Works
The treatment involves taking immune cells from the patient's blood and converting them into mature macrophages, a type of white blood cell that can 'eat' damaged or infected cells. These macrophages are then re-injected into the patient, where they travel to the liver, break down scar tissue, reduce harmful inflammation, and promote the growth of healthy liver cells. This approach targets the severe scarring known as cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure.
Expert Commentary
Professor Stuart Forbes from the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Regeneration and Repair stated: 'Liver disease is a major cause of death among working-age people. While liver transplantation is a rescue treatment, it is limited by a shortage of donor organs. Many patients die on the waiting list. We hope this therapy could one day reduce the need for transplants.'
Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, welcomed the results: 'For people with cirrhosis, these results offer real hope. A treatment that could slow or reverse liver failure and reduce the need for transplantation would be truly life-changing.'
Future Developments
The macrophage therapy was developed by Professor Forbes in collaboration with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS). A spinout company, Resolution Therapeutics, is now testing an enhanced version of the therapy, RTX001, in the Emerald clinical trial. The research team also included scientists from the University of Dundee, SNBTS, Resolution Therapeutics, Tayside Clinical Research Centre, and Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The study was funded by the Medical Research Council and Chief Scientist Office. No serious side-effects were reported in the treated group, and the four-year follow-up provides important safety and efficacy data.
