2023-10-21 05:00:00
“I was beginning to accept that the fight for life was lost,” admitted Lukáš Hurtík. But he was miraculously saved at the last moment by a bone marrow transplant – a donor was only found in England – and the talented artist survived!
“In his case, a bone marrow transplant was already the only solution,” said Jiří Mayer, head of the Internal Hematology and Oncology Clinic of the FN Brno.
Doctors and mice brought hope
When treating the musician, the doctors used unique findings from their mouse sarium! They have previously tested possible treatment procedures on laboratory mice.
The priority of the Internal Hematology and Oncology Clinic of the FN Brno Jiří Mayer on the use of mice in the treatment of patients. Jiří Nováček
“Specially bred laboratory mice provide us with an invaluable imitation of the environment in the patient’s body. We can then examine which of our procedures have any hope of success.” Mayer explained.
In Lukáš’s case, the doctors hit the mark with the help of mouse research, bingo! The musician recovered and continues to give concerts. It is a miracle. Myeloid leukemia kills up to 90 out of 100 patients.
How do mice help?
Researchers insert the patient’s blood cells into an immunocompromised mouse. “Leukemia subsequently grows in the mouse, and we get an almost mirror-accurate model of the patient’s disease. On it, we study the elements of the disease, test the treatment and observe what can happen,” researcher Martin Čulen described the unique method.
The aim is to test even unusual drugs on mice within two years. When proven, they can be given to a patient who is not responding to other available treatments.
Breeding in cotton wool in a secret place
Laboratory mice are bred by scientists in Bohunice at a secret location on the campus of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University. They own the entire heavily guarded building. “They have an all-inclusive stay with us. They receive special food and filtered water. They live in a completely sterile environment,” researcher Martin Čulen mentioned.
Strict hygiene and “pampering” of the rodents are necessary to keep the mice completely comfortable. “That’s the only way they can provide us with material for successful research,” explained Čulen. Laboratory mice are bred by the only institute in the world, in the USA. A sausage costs 10,000 crowns. They are transported to Brno in special crates in the business class of airplanes.
A killer doesn’t ask about lifestyle
Up to 70 patients with acute myeloid leukemia are treated annually at the Brno General Hospital. Doctors often only discover the killer of patients at an advanced stage. In elderly people, the chance of recovery is only around 10 percent.
“How many times do we see patients with this type of cancer only when they are dying. Unfortunately, the disease cannot be influenced by a healthy lifestyle or in any other way. That’s why every new knowledge in the fight against her is invaluable.” Mayer concluded.
A concert for mice
Acute myeloid leukemia is of multiple types, unlike other types of cancer, it successfully resists many treatments. The cured organist therefore decided, with all humility and gratitude, to organize a charity concert for the fight against leukemia on November 5 in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Brno.
Proceeds will go to research into this type of cancer and will help scientists buy special chemicals and laboratory animals.
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