While Congress pontificates and salivates over federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, some are starting to suggest there is a plot to discredit such research by constantly publishing the success stories of adult stem cell research and their clinical applications.
Oh really? A plot? When prominent scientists are admitting that embryonic stem cells have been oversold to a public keen to hear fairy tales and day by day respected journals are publishing substantive results of adult stem cell research the whole notion of a plot or a conspiracy takes us into the realms of the absurd.
If you have any doubts that today people whose lives were severely disrupted by congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy, who have received adult stem cell therapy using their own blood and are now feeling infinitely better, more energetic and active, then just talk to them. Never mind the politics or the hype. These people were helped by a safe and proven therapy by eminent specialists in first-rate hospitals - none of them in the mighty U.S. of A.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Adult stem cells behaving like embryonic?
With all the difficulties and ethical concerns over using ambryonic stem cells researchers have been trying to get adult stem cells to behave like embryonic - just so they have the advantage od pluripotency i.e. the ability to become any tissue in the body.
If and when that happens, that will deal with the ethical problems of destroying embryos, but what about the problems of tumor formation? Cells that can differentiate into numerous cell types would be wonderful but the problem still exists of how to control their ability to becoame what you don't want them to become.
And while all this is going on hundreds of people are being helped by their own adult stem cells without any rejection problems or the cells used becoming anything unwanted. Just look at the stories of people condemned to a brief, inactive life by congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy who after transfusion of their own harvested stem cells are able to pick up their life where it was left off. Stories abound of heart failure patients back playing golf, picking up their grandkids, scuba diving and so on.
If and when that happens, that will deal with the ethical problems of destroying embryos, but what about the problems of tumor formation? Cells that can differentiate into numerous cell types would be wonderful but the problem still exists of how to control their ability to becoame what you don't want them to become.
And while all this is going on hundreds of people are being helped by their own adult stem cells without any rejection problems or the cells used becoming anything unwanted. Just look at the stories of people condemned to a brief, inactive life by congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy who after transfusion of their own harvested stem cells are able to pick up their life where it was left off. Stories abound of heart failure patients back playing golf, picking up their grandkids, scuba diving and so on.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Spinal injury man told adult stem cell therapy 'A foolish waste of time'.
A paraplegic for more than 30 years, K.W. from Texas went to Russia for adult stem cell therapy. His doctors told him it was, 'A foolish waste of time'. On his return the same doctors told him the results were 'interesting and pretty substantial' - but that they would not last.
The therapy not only lasted but his physical situation is better than it was ever supposed to be. He now has feeling all over his body and more movement and he has fathered two children, 'I was never supposed to have', he said. He went on to say that while still in a wheelcahir he is able to do so much more than his doctors said he would be able to do.
It's a wonderful testimony and an example to patients to take responsibility for their own well-being and quality of life. It isn't easy to fly in the face of the prevailing medical 'wisdom' and seek help - it takes courage and more than a little faith. Good on him! 'There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy', doctors.
The therapy not only lasted but his physical situation is better than it was ever supposed to be. He now has feeling all over his body and more movement and he has fathered two children, 'I was never supposed to have', he said. He went on to say that while still in a wheelcahir he is able to do so much more than his doctors said he would be able to do.
It's a wonderful testimony and an example to patients to take responsibility for their own well-being and quality of life. It isn't easy to fly in the face of the prevailing medical 'wisdom' and seek help - it takes courage and more than a little faith. Good on him! 'There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy', doctors.
New link found in adult stem cells
An ANU professor has revealed that his research team has found that the success of adult stem cell therapy depends on the body's ability to repair tissue damaged by ageing. The link is expected to give a greater understanding on ways to use and improve stem cell therapy as the relationship between oxygen, DNA damage and age-related decline of cells generally has become clearer.
The ABC online report spells out the implications for the whole range of things that contribute to DNA damage and will lead to rapid improvements in the way stem cells are used in the treatment of people with leukemia and other forms of cancer.
The ABC online report spells out the implications for the whole range of things that contribute to DNA damage and will lead to rapid improvements in the way stem cells are used in the treatment of people with leukemia and other forms of cancer.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Americans head overseas for better and lower cost treatment
I thought I was beyond being shocked but an article I read today is beyond belief as an example of ignorance and arrogance. We all know that skyrocketing healthcare costs and the fact that some 47 million Americans are uninsured is speeding up the pace of medical tourism.
When you can get a hip replacement, dental care, heart surgery etc etc for a small fraction of the cost at home then a wise consumer would certainly look closely at what is on offer. Many overseas hospitals can offer a standard of facility and care better than anything in the U.S. Further, many are staffed by specialists either with U.S. Board certification and/or considerable work experience in western countries that puts them at least on a par.
In this article mention was made of people seeking new or alternative therapies overseas, with a researcher saying that if any such therapies were proven to work they would be done in the U.S. Then he went on to say that other countries lack the oversight as well as proof of efficacy and safety that would be required in the U.S. To which I say 'Rubbish'. Just research infection rates in U.S. hospitals - just ask patients treated overseas about the standard of care both medical and nursing that they received and they will tell you emphatically that they could not get the same level of care at home. Believe it or not, in Thailand for example doctors take the time to explain everything to patients and to answere all their questions. Nurses still look like nurses, not technicians and are prompt and solicitous in their care and attention to the smallest detail.
Patients in end-stage heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease are flocking for adult stem cell therapy, clinical trail results of which show some 75 percent will gain considerable benefit from. meanwhile the U.S. pours money into embryonic stem cells which have done nothing but produce tumors in rodents.
Patients say they have never received better, more professional or more compassionate care than in Thai hospitals.
When is the U.S. going to wake up that their health system is not the best in the world by any means? Clinical trials overseas are run by ethics committees and the results published in respected journals. The U.S. has a system run by lawyers and vested interests - no way could it be said to be patient-centered.
People will vote with their feet and go where they can receive top care at an affordable price. If it is a new therapy or treatment they seek, then why should they wait for the FDA to lumber to any approval?
I'm waiting for the U.S. government to try and stop people getting better care overseas.
When you can get a hip replacement, dental care, heart surgery etc etc for a small fraction of the cost at home then a wise consumer would certainly look closely at what is on offer. Many overseas hospitals can offer a standard of facility and care better than anything in the U.S. Further, many are staffed by specialists either with U.S. Board certification and/or considerable work experience in western countries that puts them at least on a par.
In this article mention was made of people seeking new or alternative therapies overseas, with a researcher saying that if any such therapies were proven to work they would be done in the U.S. Then he went on to say that other countries lack the oversight as well as proof of efficacy and safety that would be required in the U.S. To which I say 'Rubbish'. Just research infection rates in U.S. hospitals - just ask patients treated overseas about the standard of care both medical and nursing that they received and they will tell you emphatically that they could not get the same level of care at home. Believe it or not, in Thailand for example doctors take the time to explain everything to patients and to answere all their questions. Nurses still look like nurses, not technicians and are prompt and solicitous in their care and attention to the smallest detail.
Patients in end-stage heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease are flocking for adult stem cell therapy, clinical trail results of which show some 75 percent will gain considerable benefit from. meanwhile the U.S. pours money into embryonic stem cells which have done nothing but produce tumors in rodents.
Patients say they have never received better, more professional or more compassionate care than in Thai hospitals.
When is the U.S. going to wake up that their health system is not the best in the world by any means? Clinical trials overseas are run by ethics committees and the results published in respected journals. The U.S. has a system run by lawyers and vested interests - no way could it be said to be patient-centered.
People will vote with their feet and go where they can receive top care at an affordable price. If it is a new therapy or treatment they seek, then why should they wait for the FDA to lumber to any approval?
I'm waiting for the U.S. government to try and stop people getting better care overseas.
Muscle building adult stem cells confirmed
Apparently in our muscle tissue there are some uncommitted stem cells wandering around - responsible for building the bulging biceps of body builders.
A new report says that these adult stem cells could be used for new muscle-regenerating therapies. Imagine what that would mean for those suffering from muscular dystrophy!!
The research team found that these so-called satellite cells include a mix of those cells committed to muscles and others that are more versatile. Injected into mice these satellite cells replenished the animals' reservoir of cells. It could be that the uncommitted cells might be able to form other tissues, such as fat and bone.
Great news - this time from canadian researchers, and once again showing the advances being made so rapidly (and safely) of using adult stem cells from the toolbox within that we all have.
A new report says that these adult stem cells could be used for new muscle-regenerating therapies. Imagine what that would mean for those suffering from muscular dystrophy!!
The research team found that these so-called satellite cells include a mix of those cells committed to muscles and others that are more versatile. Injected into mice these satellite cells replenished the animals' reservoir of cells. It could be that the uncommitted cells might be able to form other tissues, such as fat and bone.
Great news - this time from canadian researchers, and once again showing the advances being made so rapidly (and safely) of using adult stem cells from the toolbox within that we all have.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
From paralyzed rats to humans in one year - wow!
A groundbreaking study on rats paralyzed due to spinal ischemia will result in human trails this year!!
After being injected with human spinal stem cells all of the rats were either able to walk within six weeks OR had improved mobility in their lower joints and increased muscle tone. A control group given a placebo was included in the study.
What happened was for the first time the neural circuitry had been reconstructed.
The outcomes in humans are expected to be better still as they will be able to receive intensive physical therapy after treatment.
The company that devloped the procedure has filed for a human trial to treat paraplegic patients in 2007.
These results could not have been achieved without being able to produce neural stem cells of the human brain and spinal cord in commercial quantities and shows that adult stem cells from this source can differentiate into mature, physiologically relevant human neurons and glia.
I fail to understand how this sort of news did not make headlines in any major print media that I searched. The possibilities are exciting and will give realistic hope to so many people. Once again it is adult stem cells that are providing all the new treatment options. We already have successful therapies using adult stem cells from circulating blood helping hundreds of sufferers of end-stage heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease. These patients would be dead if they had listened to their cardiologist - instead they are back doing things like skippering catamarans and on the golf course.
After being injected with human spinal stem cells all of the rats were either able to walk within six weeks OR had improved mobility in their lower joints and increased muscle tone. A control group given a placebo was included in the study.
What happened was for the first time the neural circuitry had been reconstructed.
The outcomes in humans are expected to be better still as they will be able to receive intensive physical therapy after treatment.
The company that devloped the procedure has filed for a human trial to treat paraplegic patients in 2007.
These results could not have been achieved without being able to produce neural stem cells of the human brain and spinal cord in commercial quantities and shows that adult stem cells from this source can differentiate into mature, physiologically relevant human neurons and glia.
I fail to understand how this sort of news did not make headlines in any major print media that I searched. The possibilities are exciting and will give realistic hope to so many people. Once again it is adult stem cells that are providing all the new treatment options. We already have successful therapies using adult stem cells from circulating blood helping hundreds of sufferers of end-stage heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease. These patients would be dead if they had listened to their cardiologist - instead they are back doing things like skippering catamarans and on the golf course.
Friday, June 1, 2007
The false hope of embryonic stem cells
How sad that a deluded U.S. senator is trying to promote a bill for funding for embryonic stem cell research. ALS sufferers were with the senator and unaware that they have been led down the garden path. The false promises made by advocates of embryonic stem cells strike me as heartless and exploitative of the millions suffering from devastating diseases.
When no less a body than the American College of Pediatricians calls for an end to embryonic research, "which prolongs needless suffering by delaying the development of more promising adult stem cell treatments and cures" one would think legislators would sit up and take notice. It has been well documented that embryonic stem cell trials have to date produced "catasprophic results... producing the wong tissue, forming tumors, and triggering immune rejection".What a waste of money!!
It angers me that a fraction of the public money sucked out of the taxpayer could have much more profitably gone to the established utility and further potential of adult stem cells.
Just talk to the hundreds of people who had been told there was nothing more that could be done for them and that they may as well go home and prepare to die, who have had their lives restored by adult stem cell therapies that are available right now. Within the next year hundreds more will have been treated while lobbyists lobby for something going nowhere.
Cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure patients can get off the drug and surgery treadmill now and get active and well. That's a miracle - and we carry the body's own repair kit within us!
When no less a body than the American College of Pediatricians calls for an end to embryonic research, "which prolongs needless suffering by delaying the development of more promising adult stem cell treatments and cures" one would think legislators would sit up and take notice. It has been well documented that embryonic stem cell trials have to date produced "catasprophic results... producing the wong tissue, forming tumors, and triggering immune rejection".What a waste of money!!
It angers me that a fraction of the public money sucked out of the taxpayer could have much more profitably gone to the established utility and further potential of adult stem cells.
Just talk to the hundreds of people who had been told there was nothing more that could be done for them and that they may as well go home and prepare to die, who have had their lives restored by adult stem cell therapies that are available right now. Within the next year hundreds more will have been treated while lobbyists lobby for something going nowhere.
Cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure patients can get off the drug and surgery treadmill now and get active and well. That's a miracle - and we carry the body's own repair kit within us!
Top minds to gather in Washington
Ethicists, scientists vand policy makers from many countries are to gather for an international exchange on stem cell research. As the science advances clinical benefits emerge and debate continues.
As speakers will come from many European countries the transatlantic cooperation aspects are significant and will help public perception that stem cells are not some peripheral adjunct to mainstream medicine. It is interesting to see how much the words 'regenerative medicine' are being used in net-based information. I'm old enough for it to be a very new word that connotes cosmetic surgery and breast implants. However, it is also becoming a more easily recognised descriptor of stem cell research and clinical practice.
I guess if you couldn't walk to the letterbox before adult stem cell therapy and now can walk as far as you like, you would be quite happy to say you had received a regenerative medicine therapy - created anew, revitalized, refreshed, energised. Great meanings - great word.
Patients with cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure who have received their own adult stem cells and discovered the power of them to give them back a life
will, I am sure, be interested in new frontiers - new help for many of the diseases that to date have been untreatable - that will be emerging as the science and application of adult stem cell therapy speeds up.
As speakers will come from many European countries the transatlantic cooperation aspects are significant and will help public perception that stem cells are not some peripheral adjunct to mainstream medicine. It is interesting to see how much the words 'regenerative medicine' are being used in net-based information. I'm old enough for it to be a very new word that connotes cosmetic surgery and breast implants. However, it is also becoming a more easily recognised descriptor of stem cell research and clinical practice.
I guess if you couldn't walk to the letterbox before adult stem cell therapy and now can walk as far as you like, you would be quite happy to say you had received a regenerative medicine therapy - created anew, revitalized, refreshed, energised. Great meanings - great word.
Patients with cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure who have received their own adult stem cells and discovered the power of them to give them back a life
will, I am sure, be interested in new frontiers - new help for many of the diseases that to date have been untreatable - that will be emerging as the science and application of adult stem cell therapy speeds up.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Getting from discovery to trial in adult stem cell treatments
Scientists are syaing that the current bottleneck is moving forward from basic scientific discovery to a basic clinical trial in time to help people with devastating diseases.
Patience may well be a virtue, but if you are living with and/or loving someone who is dying before your eyes you would be keen to get help right now. Such a story was published this week from Utah where nine-year old twins died of Batten Disease - a rare and fatal neurological disorder. There is research going on now in Oregon using adult stem cells that one day soon may be able to help sufferers but it's a case of 'too little, too late'.
Many patients with end-stage heart disease, cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease can attest to the fact that it was impossible for them to get onto a trial. They were excluded because of age, co-morbid factors, prognosis, etc etc and left without hope. Yes, we need clinical trials on humans and longitudinal studies as well. But if you are a no-option heart patient or PAD patient at this moment, you do not have the luxury of time.
This is why people are taking charge of their own health and seeking treatment that is safe and readily available. All the better if they can get adult stem cell therapy that has a track record of good patient outcomes as measured by self-report and clinical measures. One day published trial results will catch up with what is happening now.
It is a good thing that heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease patients can trust those who have gone before them and know that they will receive excellent care and the excellent odds of an outcome better than they could possibly have hoped for. Further, they are going to be helped by their body's own repair kit - their adult stem cells derived from their own blood - so there are no rejection problems to cope with.
Patience may well be a virtue, but if you are living with and/or loving someone who is dying before your eyes you would be keen to get help right now. Such a story was published this week from Utah where nine-year old twins died of Batten Disease - a rare and fatal neurological disorder. There is research going on now in Oregon using adult stem cells that one day soon may be able to help sufferers but it's a case of 'too little, too late'.
Many patients with end-stage heart disease, cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease can attest to the fact that it was impossible for them to get onto a trial. They were excluded because of age, co-morbid factors, prognosis, etc etc and left without hope. Yes, we need clinical trials on humans and longitudinal studies as well. But if you are a no-option heart patient or PAD patient at this moment, you do not have the luxury of time.
This is why people are taking charge of their own health and seeking treatment that is safe and readily available. All the better if they can get adult stem cell therapy that has a track record of good patient outcomes as measured by self-report and clinical measures. One day published trial results will catch up with what is happening now.
It is a good thing that heart failure, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease patients can trust those who have gone before them and know that they will receive excellent care and the excellent odds of an outcome better than they could possibly have hoped for. Further, they are going to be helped by their body's own repair kit - their adult stem cells derived from their own blood - so there are no rejection problems to cope with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)