Stem cells used to rebuild breasts
Reported November 16, 2007
SAN ANTONIO — For the first time, doctors have used stem cells from liposuctioned fat to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous lumps removed.
The approach is experimental but holds promise for millions left with cratered areas and breasts that look very different from each other after cancer surgery. It also might be a way to augment healthy breasts without artificial implants.
It has only been tested on about two dozen women in a study in Japan, and results were reported Saturday. Doctors in the United States say it has great potential.
”This is a pretty exciting topic right now in plastic surgery,” said Dr. Karol Gutowski of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.