Local 12: Report: Person was 'cured' of HIV, but a local doctor says treatment is dangerous
UC expert has concerns about stem cell transplants
New research published in the Nature Medicine journal says a 53-year-old German man is now clear of HIV after a procedure that replaced his bone marrow cells with HIV-resistant stem cells from a donor. He is just the third person to be cured of HIV.
WKRC-TV, Local 12, interviewed Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, who was at the scientific meeting in Seattle where this research was released.
"I do hope in my professional lifetime will be able to see him the situation where we can cure a disease like HIV,” said Fichtenbaum. "Every year, we get a little bit closer to a better answer.”
/content/dam/uc/news/ahc-public-relations/medicine/fichtenbaum-lab-folder.jpg/Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Marketing + Brand
While the news about the German patient is exciting, Fichtenbaum knows it doesn't do much for the average person living with the virus.
"It’s very important, it gives us hope, but it’s not a scalable cure that can be down at your local pharmacy tomorrow," said Fichtenbaum.
That is mostly because of how specific the patient's health condition is and because Fichtenbaum says operations like stem cell transplants are extremely dangerous.
"We have tried this several times and it’s failed because bone marrow transplant transplants, stem cell transplants are dangerous, and these are mostly used in individuals who have cancer,” said Fichtenbaum.
Lead photo/Aaron Ufumeli/EPA-EFE
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.