New spinal cord injury therapy developed

U.S. medical scientists have developed a new spinal cord therapy that helps the body permanently recovery from such injuries.

Researchers at the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research studied rats with crushed spinal cords. The scientists found treatment soon after injury, combining radiation therapy to destroy harmful cells and microsurgery to drain excess fluids, significantly helped the body repair the injured cord.

The scientists, led by Nurit Kalderon, said their findings demonstrate conventional clinical procedures hold promise for preventing paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. Currently there is no cure for human spinal cord injury.

"This research opens the door to developing a clinical protocol for curing human spinal cord injuries using conventional therapies," said Kalderon.

The study, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, appears in the online journal PLoS One.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International

Citation: New spinal cord injury therapy developed (2007, July 25) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2007-07-spinal-cord-injury-therapy.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Research proposes new MRI technology for non-invasive assessment of interstitial fluid flow

 shares

Feedback to editors