Dr. Mazher's research centers around finding effective treatment options for patients facing difficult-to-treat health issues. He studies the use of human embryonic stem cells to potentially repair tendon injuries, a problem that often does not heal well on its own. Additionally, he explores surgical methods to manage brain lesions and investigates factors that influence the success of stem cell transplants in high-risk patients with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. His work aims to improve outcomes and support recovery for these patients.
Key findings
In a study on tendon repair, 40 days of treatment with specific growth factors allowed human embryonic stem cells to develop tendon-like traits, opening new treatments for tendon injuries.
In managing brain lesions, 73% of 33 patients had a good outcome with the open transcortical surgical approach, demonstrating its effectiveness and low complication rates.
For high-risk multiple myeloma patients receiving stem cell transplants, 64% achieved complete or near-complete remission based on being treated early with chemosensitive disease.
In relapse cases of multiple myeloma, 59% of 76 patients responded positively to salvage transplants, indicating potential for further treatment even after initial failure.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Mazher study tendon injuries?
Yes, Dr. Mazher conducts research on using human embryonic stem cells to develop treatments for tendon injuries.
What type of patients benefit from Dr. Mazher's work?
His work benefits patients with tendon injuries, brain lesions, and those with high-risk multiple myeloma.
What is the open transcortical approach?
It is a surgical technique used to access brain lesions through a specific route that reduces complications.
Has Dr. Mazher researched outcomes of transplants for cancer patients?
Yes, he has studied the survival rates and factors influencing outcomes for multiple myeloma patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
Publications in plain English
Tenogenic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells.
2018
Tissue engineering. Part A
Dale TP, Mazher S, Webb WR, Zhou J, Maffulli N +3 more
Plain English This study examined whether human embryonic stem cells (hESC) can be transformed into tendon-like cells by adding specific growth factors called BMP12 and BMP13. The researchers found that after 40 days of treatment with these factors and ascorbic acid, the stem cells developed characteristics similar to tendon cells, showing specific gene expressions linked to tendons. This is important because it opens up new possibilities for treating tendon injuries, which are hard to heal due to the limited natural repair capacity of tendon tissue.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with tendon injuries and doctors looking for better treatment options.
Outcome of open transcortical approach in the management of intraventricular lesions.
2013
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
Mazher S, Imran M, Ashraf J, Ahmed A, Shah IU +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well patients with brain lesions in the ventricles responded to surgery using an open transcortical method. Out of 33 patients, 73% had a good outcome after the operation, while 24% had a fair result, and 3% faced serious complications resulting in death. The findings indicate that this surgical approach is effective for diagnosing and removing brain lesions with low complication rates.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with intraventricular lesions and their surgeons by providing effective treatment options.
Prognostic factors in allogeneic transplantation for patients with high-risk multiple myeloma after reduced intensity conditioning.
2003
Experimental hematology
Lee CK, Badros A, Barlogie B, Morris C, Zangari M +9 more
Plain English This study looked at factors that affect the outcomes for high-risk multiple myeloma patients receiving a specific type of stem cell transplant. Researchers analyzed data from 45 patients and found that after treatment, 64% achieved complete or near-complete remission, while 25 patients died, mostly due to complications from the transplant. Key factors for better survival included having chemosensitive disease (64% survival) and a good pretransplant performance score, indicating that earlier treatment can lead to significantly better outcomes for these patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with high-risk multiple myeloma and their doctors in making treatment decisions.
Transplantation as salvage therapy for high-risk patients with myeloma in relapse.
2002
Bone marrow transplantation
Lee CK, Barlogie B, Zangari M, Fassas A, Anaissie E +8 more
Plain English This study looked at 76 patients with myeloma who relapsed after an initial stem cell transplant to see if additional transplants could help them. The researchers found that after salvage transplants, 59% of the patients responded positively, but only 19% survived for two years. Those who did best had certain favorable traits, like a good response to previous chemo and specific blood test results, indicating that future transplants are most effective in patients with these traits.
Who this helps: This helps patients with myeloma who may be considering additional transplant options after relapse.