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Stem cell transplant offers new hope to Crohn’s sufferer


July 11, 2008

Billy Tytaneck told the Ottawa Citizen he is '100-per-cent better than I was before' after receiving the first stem cell transplant ever offered in Ottawa to treat Crohn's disease. The transplant was performed by Dr. Harry Atkins, scientist at the Ottawa Health Research Institute, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa and bone marrow transplant specialist at The Ottawa Hospital. The experimental therapy is based on the fact that Crohn’s involves the immune system attacking the bowel. The bone marrow stem cell transplant attempts to “reset” the immune system and thus prevent further damage from occurring.

Links:
  • Ottawa Citizen story
  • OHRI Profile of Dr. Harry Atkins
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