Expression of concern—Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept study

Abstract

On Nov 24, 2011, The Lancet published a research article on tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite. 1 Jungebluth P Alici E Baiguera S et al. Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept study. Lancet. 2011; 378: 1997-2004 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (371) Google Scholar 3 years later, several of the authors, together with others, raised concerns about the validity of this work. The Karolinska Institute launched an investigation led by Professor Bengt Gerdin into papers on the development of the technique. Gerdin's report was followed by a second evaluation that largely cleared concerns regarding The Lancet paper. More recently, a documentary series on Swedish television again cast doubt on this work and precipitated public uncertainty about the research from Karolinska. There are now several new investigations into various aspects of the research carried out at Karolinska and the outcomes of the investigation pertinent to The Lancet paper are awaited. Meanwhile, several authors have now distanced themselves from the work to which they originally assigned their names. In view of the ongoing uncertainty about the integrity of the work reported in this paper, and after discussion with the lead author of the research article, Dr Paolo Macchiarini, we now issue an expression of concern about the paper, while reserving a final decision for when current investigations are completed. RETRACTED: Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept studyTailor-made bioartificial scaffolds can be used to replace complex airway defects. The bioreactor reseeding process and pharmacological-induced site-specific and graft-specific regeneration and tissue protection are key factors for successful clinical outcome. Full-Text PDF