"...Until recently, treatment has been limited by two things: a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of these disease processes on a molecular level and a lack of pharmaceutical development that would affect these molecular mechanisms. This results in treatment focused primarily in addressing the symptoms of the disease rather than healing or slowing the progression of the disease itself.
However, it has been shown that undifferentiated multipotent endogenous tissue stem cells (cells that have been identified in nearly all tissues) may contribute to tissue maintenance and repair due to their inherent anti-inflammatory properties. Human mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to produce large quantities of bioactive factors including cytokines and various growth factors which provide molecular cueing for regenerative pathways. This affects the status of responding cells intrinsic in the tissue 18. These bioactive factors have the ability to influence multiple immune effector functions including cell development, maturation, and allo-reactive T-cell responses 19. Although research on the use of autologous stem cells (both hematopoietic and mesenchymal) in regenerative stem cell therapy is still in the early stages of implementation, it has shown substantive progress in treating patients with few if any adverse effects..."
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Dmactds
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There seems to be a predisposition amongst GPs to treat symptoms rather than the underlying cause of any problems. Go with a rash and they will prescribe a cream to rub on but not investigate the cause; go with pain and you will often be prescribed painkillers rather than the source being investigated. I think they need shaking up.
Interesting read. I live in the states and The Lung Institute and, I think, the Cleveland Clinic both do stem cell research.
I have bronchiectasis. I have had lung issues for about 28 yrs. I'm 67 yrs old.
This past December, I went to The Lung Institute in Nashville to have stem cell treatment. They remove some of my blood and bone marrow, take out the stem cells and replace them back into my system. The theory is that the extra stem cells go to the damaged lungs and repair the damage. Since this is considered research, insurance (Medicare) won't cover it. Cost is $7,500-12,000 depending on the type of procedure.
I have not noticed a big difference in my illness, but, I have not had a hospital stay in over a year. Have not had to have a bronchoscopy in over a year (the previous year I had 5 bronchoscopies). I still have shortness of breath a lot, but my mucus is easier to cough up than before. I do know that I'm being more proactive with my care, which helps slow the progression of this illness and I would like to think that the stem cell treatment helped as well.
The Lung Institute does follow up calls in the months after treatment so they can keep track of good or bad results. Hopefully in the years to come, modern science will come up with a very successful treatment.
If you had this done last December, you're not even a year in the "game" and from what you say, there seems to be an improvement or two in your situation.
I'm 6 or 7 years ahead of you down the "run" and in no financial condition to have that done but more's the pity. I'm in the Atlanta area and going and coming would not be a huge problem...., but....
In any event, DO touch base and let us all know how you're doing from time to time; I'm sure there'll be a lot of interest.
I was told that I should notice results in 3-5 months after treatment. But as you said, it maybe a gradual improvement over months and months. They said at the Institute that people come back for a second treatment after a year or two, but I don't think I will.
I think that maybe if I didn't have the treatment, I would be in worst shape than I am now. So who knows? I'd like to think that I helped with the research toward finding if not a cure, a slowing of the progression.
As far as the cost. My husband and I had to dip into our retirement pool (we are both retired). We feel comfortable with the amount we set aside for retirement, but still, it was a lot of money, so we had to think long and hard before committing to do it.
If you wanted, you could look up The Lung Institute on the web. They also give webinars, at no cost. I got a lot of information from listening to one.
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Asthma and PIP
Seen my GP who says MART therapy is now used & suggested Fobumix inhaler Any thoughts?
COPD exacerbations.
relapses post infection
