Rehabilitating Lungs: Options for Those Without Transplants

[SW VandeCarr]

Lungs gone bad? Can't get a transplant? Maybe you can get old lungs rehabed in the future.

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/25657/?a=f

 

[nismaratwork]

I like the conservative view of the authors, not saying this is just around the corner, and the notion is very appealing. Given challenges in gene and stem cell therapies, I wouldn't be shocked if this comes first.

 

[rhody]

Thanks SW,

I passed this on to a long time friend, who has chronic sarcoidosis. We discuss issues related to health all the time. The problem is as best I understand it, that to date, anyone who receives a lung transplant (as last resort to save someone's life), within 2 years the sarcoid returns in most every case, so at best the "old treatment" gives the person more time. As one would imagine there are plenty of side effects and anti-rejection med issues to deal with too.

Rhody...

 

[nismaratwork]

Thanks SW,

I passed this on to a long time friend, who has chronic sarcoidosis. We discuss issues related to health all the time. The problem is as best I understand it, that to date, anyone who receives a lung transplant (as last resort to save someone's life), within 2 years the sarcoid returns in most every case, so at best the "old treatment" gives the person more time. As one would imagine there are plenty of side effects and anti-rejection med issues to deal with too.

Rhody...

This is sadly true, but time is precious and pain is fleeting.

 

[LudusRex]

I find this article on rehabilitating lungs for those without transplants to be a promising development in the field of biomedicine. The idea of rehabilitating damaged lungs to improve their function and potentially avoid the need for a transplant is an exciting possibility.

Currently, lung transplants are often the only option for those with severe lung damage, but the limited availability of donor organs makes this a challenging and uncertain process. The concept of rehabilitating old lungs, either through stem cell therapy or other methods, has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for those who are unable to receive a transplant.

However, it is important to note that this is still a developing area of research and there is much more work to be done before this becomes a viable option for patients. It will require extensive clinical trials and rigorous testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these techniques.

I am encouraged by the progress being made in this field and look forward to seeing further advancements that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of lung disease. It is important for researchers and clinicians to continue working towards finding new and innovative ways to improve the health and well-being of individuals with damaged lungs.