Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - Dec 13, 1995

The experimental and controversial procedure is being attempted because baboons have been found to be resistant to HIV-1, the primary virus causing AIDS.

Bone marrow cells from a baboon are to be infused into AIDS patient Jeff Getty at San Francisco General Hospital, which is affiliated with the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). The procedure will be carried out by researchers at UCSF and the University of Pittsburgh.

Hospital spokeswoman Alice Trinkl (eds: correct) said the infusion is likely to take place on Thursday afternoon, provided that Getty's preparation for the procedure, which includes radiation treatment, goes as planned.

"My doctors want to go forward with an experiment that may not save my life, but could well lead to a treatment that will save thousands of others," Getty, a 38-year-old resident of Oakland, California said in a statement. "We can't let fears of theoretical risks stop research."

"We recognise that this clinical trial is highly experimental," said UCSF Assistant Professor Steven Deeks, who will be the main doctor caring for Getty. "But we are hopeful that we have a chance to succeed and we should learn a great deal about HIV and the immune system," he said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave approval for the experiment in August. The transplant was originally scheduled for October but was postponed when Getty developed pneumonia.

It will be the first time a bone marrow cell infusion from one species to another, known as a xenotransplant, has been attempted using the specific scientific approach that has been approved for this study, the researchers said.

The planned experiment has caused controversy in the medical community because of the risk that such operations could allow infections to cross from animals to humans.

If the baboon cells join with the patient's bone marrow cells, as the researchers hope, they believe that the patient's augmented bone marrow will then produce HIV-resistant T-cells in the blood. Theoretically, this would increase his ability to ward off opportunistic infections that can be fatal to AIDS patients, they say.

But Deeks emphasised that, even if the infusion is successful and the baboon cells "take", the patient will not be cured of HIV or AIDS, and would remain HIV-infected for life.

The infusion, similar to a blood transfusion, takes half an hour and does not require surgery. The patient will receive low-dose chemotherapy and radiation to make space in his bone marrow for the new cells.

951213
RE951237

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .