Kidney Research UK

Statement on the Imperial Cancer Research Fund's discovery of bone marrow cells developing into kidney tissue opens door to new treatments

The National Kidney Research Fund welcomes the announcement made by The Imperial Cancer Research Fund in relation to the discovery of bone marrow cells developing into kidney tissue which may open doors to new treatment for kidney disease. It is an exciting possibility that patients with kidney failure may be able to benefit from new therapy.

The National Kidney Research Fund has been aware for a number of years that scientists have been engaged on projects to develop new kidney tissue. However, in spite of today's announcement, the Fund believes that we are probably many years away from preventing kidney failure. This is because the intricate structure of the kidney compared to the simple liver tissue makes it much more difficult to replace the many functions of the two million kidney filters and tubules and also in kidney failure scarring distorts the tubules so that there is nowhere for new cells to function making it difficult for the kidney to repair itself.

For the foreseeable future, the Fund strongly encourages the public to sign up to the organ donation register to help today's kidney patients, as transplantation and dialysis are effective forms of treatment and are likely to remain the standard therapy for some years.

The National Kidney Helpline can be contacted on 0845 300 1499 to obtain an organ donation pack.

For more information on Kidney Research UK please click here for a contact number.