Volume 10, Number 4 • July/August 2002 • Small Business/SBIR

SBIR Plays Role in Biological Cell Selection

In an SBIR effort with Marshall Space Flight Center, Science Research Laboratory (SRL) and teammate Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a breadboard technology–pulsed electric field (PEF) cell selection–that could play a key role in treating certain cancers. Using the PEF treatment, the SBIR team has successfully demonstrated the selective purging of tumor cells in tumor-contaminated blood and bone marrow, while isolating and preserving healthy stem cells–cells that are critical for regenerating human immune systems.

The PEF technology could be pivotal in preparing bone marrow transplants that follow high-dose chemotherapies (HDC). These therapies are often essential in treating such hematologic cancers as myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma. Bone marrow is withdrawn from a patient before HDC and then re-infused after HDC. In the interim, the PEF treatment is used to purge the contaminating tumor cells, which could contribute to a cancer relapse, from the marrow. Healthy, regenerating stem cells are preserved. Initial efforts have demonstrated the efficacy of the technology in purging multiple myeloma cells from bone marrow.

Another key benefit of the PEF technology is the ability to prepare purified stem cell transplants for emergency situations. NASA missions are a prime example for this application.

One of the perils faced by humans in space–whether on space shuttle missions, missions on the International Space Station or a mission to Mars–is potential exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiation exposure can lead to immune system compromise and predispose mission personnel to life-threatening infections. One solution would be having shielded populations of stem cells on board that could be used to reconstitute the immune systems of the crew. Transplants in space would involve simple intravenous injections of cryo-preserved stem cells after hazardous conditions have subsided.

Other potential emergency applications of the SRL technology include the use of stem cell populations to combat the effects of radiation accidents in civilian and military situations, and to offer protection against certain biological warfare agents, including Sarin.

Purified stem cells are also essential in the development of new cancer drugs; as highly efficient, nonviral vectors for certain gene therapy applications in support of the human genome discoveries; and for organ and tissue generation, perhaps providing an alternative to the controversial use of embryonic stem cells.

The commercialization potential of the SRL technology is staggering. The estimated commercial market for individual cancer pharmaceuticals could be one billion dollars. The market for effective strategies for purging autologous stem cell transplants for high-dose therapy regimens is estimated at $100—$200 million. Q

For more information, contact Joseph Mangano at the Science Research Laboratory, phone: 703/522-6391. Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

NASA Official: Jonathan Root • Web Design: Printing & Design Office, NASA Headquarters • Credits