CIHBT - a pioneer in stem cell transplants in Vietnam
(VOV) - The Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (CIHBT) has conducted 107 stem cell transplants since the first in June 2006, helping treat patients with deadly blood diseases.
The CIHBT unveiled the figure at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 23, saying it is one of the pioneers in Vietnam in performing such transplants, and between 70%-80% of its operations are successful.
Stem cell research and application has been conducted since the 1990s. Ho Chi Minh City Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital carried out the first hematopoietic stem cell transplant for a patient with blood disease in 1995. It was then followed by Hue Central Hospital, the CIHBT, and the National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi.
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At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen urged the CIHBT to build a stem cell bank to help improve patients chances of getting suitable stem cells. She asked the institute to formulate legal documents regarding research and application of hematopoietic stem cells towards developing a law on stem cell.
The institute’s director Nguyen Anh Tri affirmed that stem cell transplant is one of the key methods to help patients access modern treatment methods with cheaper expense than regional countries.
The institute will develop a bank for umbilical cord stem cells in the community, to treat more hereditary diseases in the future, he said.