anncr:
only from the
postal service
.
>>>
we mentioned this at the top of the broadcast. in health news tonight, a genuine breakthrough being reported for adults suffering from
sickle cell anemia
, a genetic defect involving
red blood cells
that affect 70,000 african-americans and millions worldwide. it causes frequent, severe pain and can be fatal. there is a way to street it. more from our chief science correspondent
robert bazell
.
>>
reporter: this doctor is lrning to be a pilot. fleming was born with
sickle cell disease
.
>>
i could never make long-term plans that required a long-term commitment because i just never thought i'd be around that long.
>>
reporte
>>
reporter: then he heard a team led by dr. john tisdale was performing experimental transplants for
sickle cell
, using
stem cells
from healthy siblings. there have been about 200 transplants in children whose
immune systems
were more receptive, but does not work in adults.
>>
any
joint pain
?
>>
reporter: until the nih team learned how to tweak the
immune system
. in the first ten patients reported today, results have been spectacular in nine.
>>
this is an unhealthy cell?
>>
reporter: the sickle-sped
red blood cells
that don't carry oxygen properly simply disappear. along with all the harsh symptoms of the disease.
>>
we are hesitant to use the word "cure," but they are free of
sickle cell disease
now. they are no longer in the hospital. they are no longer requiring
chronic pain
medications for the frequent pain crisis patients suffer.
>>
reporter: the procedure could soon help thousands of adults with
sickle cell
and people with many different inherited
blood disorders
. lester fleming has no problem calling it a cure.
>>
i'm going to travel, i'm going to be a better friend, a boyfriend, a better son.
>>
reporter: he and his girlfriend are building aouse together, preparing for a new life without boundaries. robe bazell, nbc news, bethesda, maryland.
>>>
van barfoot
of
henrico county
,
“ ”