Stem Cells May Aid Breast Reconstruction

A potential breakthrough in breast reconstruction surgery is under way at Baylor College of Medicine. Researchers are using stem cells, taken from connective tissues in the body, and using those cells to grow a volume of fat in the breast area as part of reconstructive surgery.

"The method we are studying would make use of the body's own cells," said Dr. Eser Yuksel, assistant professor of surgery at Baylor. "Growing cells at the surgical site would lessen complications that can result from using artificial implants or transplanted tissue."

Muscle fascia, a nonfatty connective tissue found throughout the body, is being studied as the source of stem cells that would generate the fat. Preliminary data in animal studies shows that fat can be generated from the nonfatty tissue. The discovery could lead to a new method of breast reconstruction and the repair of soft tissue deficiencies in other areas of the body.

The biggest challenge with this method is that the stem cells would need to be grown or manipulated in the laboratory before being introduced into a human subject.

Laboratory-grown cells are traditionally effective in circumstances requiring thin-tissue restoration, but won't support volume reconstruction, as required in breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, Dr.

Yuksel said.

The research team, led by Dr. Yuksel, is studying the possibility of using biodegradable scaffolding which serves as a "frame" around which the fat cells may grow. The scaffolding would dissolve within two or three months. The researchers will now try to identify the cells needed for the process and use the transcription factors to facilitate the process of fatty tissue growth.

The plastic surgery team is collaborating with Dr. Peggy Goodell, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor. Dr. Yuksel is on faculty with the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor. Dr. Goodell is part of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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