Could stem cell jab replace chemo?

Stem cells are being used to treat lung cancer in a new nHS trial.

this follows research by University college London, which showed that when stem cells (extracted from bone marrow) were injected into a vein, they migrated to tumours.

animal studies have suggested the stem cells — engineered to hold a gene therapy drug (called tnF-related apoptosis inducing ligand) — can kill lung cancer cells.

now in a study at University college London Hospital, 46 patients with lung cancer will receive three cycles of the treatment after standard chemotherapy, for three weeks.

if the treatment is successful, half of the group will then be given just the stem cell treatment.