DO STEM CELL TREATMENTS WORK?
Some patients tell us that their doctor says that there’s no evidence that stem cell treatments work because there have been no clinical trials to date that prove otherwise. Is all of the evidence supporting the benefits of stem cell treatments anecdotal? NO WAY!
According to the National Institute of Health there were, and are 2600 stem cell clinical trials around the world. Don’t believe me – just look at http://clinical trials.gov/ About half of the 2591 that mention adult stem cells and some 1300 are actual adult stem cell clinical trials – none are actual embryonic clinical trials.
A potted history of some of the findings to date:
1. Heart Disease Clinical Trials
2002 – Dr Hans Dohmann and his team in Brazil gave 19 transplant candidates bone marrow cells. The results were so spectacular that the American Heart Association accepted the paper the following year. The mortality rate for transplant candidates is about 35% a year – so only 2.2 patients should still have been alive without a transplant after 5 years. In fact 12 of these patients were still alive in December 2007!
FACT – 12% of patients could be kept alive for five years by western cardiology methods versus 63% with stem cell treatments. And that was early days.
2003 Dr Zeiher in Frankfurt proved that timely implantation of stem cells in new heart attack victims improves future mortality and morbidity. See http://circ.ahajournals.org
2004. Dr Patel in Pittsburg completed two of the most successful trials ever proving a bypass plus cells was infinitely better than a bypass only
2004. Dr Perin went to Texas and over 12-18 months got over a dozen trials approved by the FDA.
2. Diabetes Clinical Trials
2007 Cord blood reduced type 1 diabetes severity, possibly resetting the patients’ immune system and slowing the destruction of insulin-producing cells. These findings were reported to the American Diabetes Association’s 67th Annual Scientific Sessions.
Can stem cells help diabetes – type 2? http//wp.me/prcQV-1cU
Type 1? http://wp.me/prcQV-1cJ
Since the 1990’s it’s been known that diabetes can be conquered in mice. Weissman at Stanford states: “Commercial or regulatory hurdles have prevented his research from benefiting humans. Why? Pharmaceutical companies refused to sponsor trials. There’s apparently more money in selling insulin!
3. Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials
Duke University. See http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show
Dallas Hextell improves within 5 days after umbilical cord stem cells infusion. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23569985#23569985 via http://.you havealawyer.com/blog/2008/03/26cerebral-palsy-improvement
See a toddler on http://pediatrics.duke.edu/modules/dept_peds_annc/index.php?id=79
4. Amputation Clinical Trials
In Chennai the legs of 89% of patients had been saved by stem cells injected into the limb. Sixty patients, all smokers and some with diabetes took part in the study.
5. Stroke Clinical Trails
A study showed the excellent safety profile using PET scans and MRI’s on patients who had received stem cells.
The University of Texas treat a stroke patient repairing the damage and redcing inflammation. http://www.texmedctr.tmc.edu/root/enTMCServices/News/2009/07-01/Stem+Cells+Tested+for+Treatment+of+Stroke.htm
6. Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials
TWENTY medical institutes conclude positive early results for MS. http://www.springerlink.com/content/1b191dgyecqvny3w/
17 of 21 patients improved in a Northwestern University study, showing fewer balance problems, no relapses and no deterioration.
What is clear is that most people treated with stem cells get better. Not all, but the majority. Not cured, but better.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
• There are over 1300 adult stem cell trials
• Stem cells work on most patients
• While the disease is not cured, patients’ condition improves considerably
• Stem cell treatment is a significantly better choice than pill after pill
