Researchers from Australia have come up with a new harvesting method for stem cells that is not only less invasive but also reduces side effects for donors.

Currently, harvesting stem cells requires the growth factor injections to boost the number of stem cells in the blood stream. Unfortunately, growth factor leads to unpleasant side effects like spleen enlargement and bone pain.

Researchers hoping to address this concern have developed a new harvesting method that elevated stem cell numbers without relying on growth factor, publishing their discovery in the journal Nature Communications.

Created by researchers from CSIRO and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), the new harvesting method entails the use of two molecules: BOP and AMD3100. Combined, the molecules facilitate the proliferation of bone marrow stem cells in the blood stream, making it possible for a harvest to be carried out within just one hour of a single dose.

Growth factor injections have to be administered over the course of several days before the actual harvesting procedure. By eliminating the use of growth factor, the researchers have made it possible to speed up a harvesting procedure from days to about an hour.

AMD3100 had been in use before but it was only seen as effective at increasing the number of stem cells when used alongside growth factor. Thanks to the discovery of BOP, AMD3100 can still be used for harvesting stem cells but no longer with the risks associated with growth factor.

Stem cells are commonly harvested to treat cancer patients. While donors are more than willing to share their stem cells despite the pains of the harvesting procedure, it is still a good idea to come up with ways to reduce stress for them.

This reduction in stress may even pave the way for more people being open to becoming stem cell donors. The more donors there are, the more stem cells will be available for treatment, which may make the difference in the life of a patient.

"We're looking forward to seeing patients benefit from this discovery," said Peter Currie, ARMI director.

For the next step in their study, the researchers are looking into putting together BOP and growth factor to determine the combination's effectiveness following the success of the former being combined with AMD3100.

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