New clues into causes of scleroderma
1st Nov 2005, 02:22 GMT
DURHAM, N.C. Using a novel model for scleroderma, researchers from Duke University Medical Center have discovered two important insights into this devastating disorder the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol) may prevent the skin thickening and small blood vessel destruction that characterizes the disease. Also, they found that a patient's own immune system may actually interfere with body's inherent ability to repair damage, and in particular, damage to small arteries. The researchers are so encouraged by the results of their experiments in mice that they are in the early planning stages of a clinical trial incorporating their findings in human patients with the disease. Scleroderma is a chronic degenerative disease that afflicts more than 300,000 Americans, primarily women. The life-threatening disorder is marked by dramatic tissue damage including hardening of the skin, shrinking of muscles, and damage to organs and blood vessels. To date, physicians have been unable to determine what causes the disease, and the available few therapies, serve primarily to relieve symptoms, according to the researchers.
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