Among the important scientific discoveries of the last century was the first immortal human cell line known as “HeLa.” It all began in 1951 (I was a year old then) when a young mother of 5 children visited the John Hopkins Hospital. She complained of vaginal bleeding. Her name was Henrietta Lacks. A large, malignant tumor was found on her cervix. At this time in history, John Hopkins Hospital was one of only a few hospitals to treat poor African-Americans.
John Hopkins medical records show Henrietta began undergoing radium treatments for her cervical cancer. This was the best medical treatment available at the time for this terrible disease. A sample of her cancer cell, obtained during a biopsy, were sent to Dr. George Gey’s tissue lab.
Dr. Gey was a prominent cancer and virus researcher. He had been collecting samples of cancer cells from all patients who came to John Hopkins Hospital. Unfortunately, each sample died quickly in Dr. Gey’s lab. He would soon discover that Henrietta’s cells were not like any of the others he had ever seen. Her cells did not die, but rather they doubled every 20-24 hours.
Today, these incredible cells (nicknamed “HeLa”) cells, from the first two letters of her first and last names, are used to study the effects of toxins, drugs, hormones and viruses on the growth of cancer cells without the need to experiment on humans. They have been used to test the effects of radiation and poisons, to study leukemia, to study the human genome, to learn more about how viruses work (AIDS for example), and played a crucial role in the development of the polio vaccine. Henrietta’s cells have also been used in research on the effects of zero gravity in outer space.
Today other cell lines are in use today, however HeLa cells have supported advances in most fields of medical research in the years since HeLa cells were isolated. Although Henrietta passed away on October 4, 1951, her cells continue to impact the world today. She was 31 years of age.
NOTE: In 1951 there were no established practices for informing or obtaining consent from patients when retrieving cells for research purposes. It was common practice during biopsies regardless of race or socio-economic status. What happened to Henrietta in 1951 would not happen today. Federal Law requires informed consent. John Hopkins has never sold or profited from the discovery or distribution of HeLa cells and does not own the rights to the HeLa cell line.
John Hopkins Hospital has worked with Henrietta’s family in developing programs to honor Henrietta and her extraordinary contribution to clinical research and advancement of health throughout the world.
You will likely think of Henrietta if in the future you need a biopsy or blood drawn for a diagnosis of what is ailing you. Remember Henrietta and what she and her cells did for mankind.
I wish you happy, summer days,
Anne
Musings……….for you to think about, share with someone else and enjoy.
#1: 100 years ago, most everyone had horses and only the rich had cars……now most everyone has cars and only the rich have horses!!
#2: For want of a Nail, a Shoe was lost – For want of a Shoe, a Horse was lost – For want of a Horse, a Soldier was lost – For want of a Soldier, a Battle was lost – For want of a Battle, a War was lost – and All for the Want of A Nail!