Personalising medicine

New trials spell good news, but can it trickle down to the masses?

- Dr Gaurav Kharya

NEW TRIAL claims to cure severe diabetes with a stem cell infusion. How much potential do such trials have? Dr Gaurav Kharya, senior consultant, pediatric hematology and bone marrow transplant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: "Stem cell therapies hold immense potential for curing chronic diseases like severe diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells. A recent trial showing reversal or control through stem cell infusion is promising, as it aims to regenerate or replace damaged pancreatic cells. While early results are encouraging, such trials are still in preliminary stages and often limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up durations. Long-term safety, scalability, immune rejection, and consistent efficacy are critical hurdles before these can be considered viable treatments. However, the potential is undeniable -- if future trials succeed, stem cell therapy could reduce or even eliminate insulin dependency. That said, regulatory approvals, costs, and ethica