What is Stem Cell Therapy?
In the context of the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy is the use of adult stem cells that to treat certain diseases. The types of adult stem cells that we use are stem cells derived from the umbilical cords of healthy, full-term, live births. We are also able to use stem cells from the patient's own blood and bone marrow, and from the patient's own fat.
In general terms, stem cells are progenitor cells that lead to the creation of new cells. They are regenerative in their function; they are regenerative cells.
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What conditions are being treated by Stem Cell Therapy?
We are treating patients with conditions for which traditional treatment offers less than optimal options. Those conditions include ALS, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes Type II, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post Stroke Syndrome. In the future ICM plans to offer treatments for cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions.
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What is different about treatment at ICM?
Treatment at ICM differs from other facilities for three reasons. First of all, we test for immune compatibility. If the stem cells are not compatible then the patient's immune system will destroy them and the treatment will be unsuccessful. We find about 2/3 of the time that the stem cells are not compatible and a different source must be used. We believe we are the only clinic that tests for immune compatibility. We use a very sensitive assay before any stem cell injections are given to measure whether or not the patient's immune system will accept the stem cell transplant.
Secondly, we count the actual number of progenitor cells, to ensure that the patient receives full potency. We typically use 5 to 10 million cells per injection, whereas other clinics use approximately one and a half million cells.
Thirdly, we culture our own cells, and we do not use any animal products. Animal products have been shown to make stem cells more visible to the immune system, and stem cells can only be useful if the immune system does not recognize and destroy them. Animal products used in culture systems have integrated themselves into the cells and therefore can potentially conflict with the immune system of the patient.
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How many treatments are given?
Typically, four treatments are given. If more are needed, our doctors will address that at the time. Treatments are given over period of 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's recommendation for the particular individual.
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What can you expect when you arrive at the clinic?
Upon arriving at the clinic, you'll be given a physical examination by the doctor, who will also review your medical records once again. Your doctor may order additional testing, such as blood tests or radiological testing.
If you will be receiving umbilical cord stem cells, you will have a blood test performed to measure the compatibility of the donor's stem cells. Typically, on the first day, you'll be in the clinic for half a day, being evaluated. Either the following day or two days later, you'll be administered your first injection of stem cells, and the doctor may make other recommendations at that time. The procedure of injecting the stem cells lasts for about 30 minutes: the nurse administers an I.V., and the doctor infuses the stem cells through the I.V., and when all the cells have been infused, the I.V. is removed. You'll then be monitored for approximately 2 hours after the infusion.
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How long does a patient need to be at the clinic?
Between 10 to 21 days, depending upon the condition of the individual patient.
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Can other treatments be taken at the same time?
Typically, a doctor will review what other treatments and medication the patient is already taking. Any further medical decision about what should be included or deleted from the patient's regimen during the Stem Cell Treatment will therefore be made on an individual basis. However, there are not any known contraindications for other therapies during Stem Cell Treatment.
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Where do the stem cells come from?
In the case of the umbilical cord stem cells, they are taken from healthy, full-term, live births.
The umbilical cord blood is removed from the umbilical cord and the stem cells are isolated and grown in the laboratory. The cord blood is then tested for any infectious disease or sign of contamination; all of the laboratory reagents are also tested for a full battery for infectious diseases, and during the culture period everything is again retested for any contamination or infectious diseases. The stem cells are then characterized, counted and frozen down for future use.
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Are cord blood stem cells different other stem cells?
Umbilical cord stem cells are isolated from umbilical cords at the time of a healthy, full-term, live birth, from material which would have otherwise been discarded. Unlike with embryonic stem cells, the destruction of an embryo is not involved in gathering umbilical cord stem cells, which exhibit the potent regenerative capacity. The fact that umbilical cords are normally discarded after birth makes such stem cells readily and easily available, worldwide. This offers a further advantage over embryonic stem cells.
One of the greatest advantages to using stem cells from a live, healthy, full-term birth is that we are utilizing Mother Nature's best screening tool for selecting viable stem cells. 50% of all fertilized embryos do not ever develop into a human being, but are spontaneously rejected by the mother as genetically nonviable; therefore, embryonic stem cells have not been through that natural screening process. Umbilical cord stem cells, from a healthy, live birth, however, have already passed that test.
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Are there any known side effects to the therapy?
Thus far, we have not seen any side effects. Theoretically, there are potential side effects, but they have not yet actually been seen. Your physician will go over any potential side effects with you.
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How long does it take to get an appointment?
The doctor will review the patient's medical records. It will then take 2 to 3 days to review the records and get back to the patient, to go over treatment options. Then the patient is scheduled for the next earliest available appointment. The process of scheduling takes 2 to 3 weeks, from the time of the initial contact to the date of the first appointment.
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What about the ethical issues involved with stem cell therapy?
According to several religious denominations, adult stem cells are not encumbered by any ethical or moral dilemmas. Those ethical issues which apply to fetal and embryonic stem cells do not apply to umbilical cord stem cells. Both the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Church have issued papers which actually encourage umbilical cord research and the use of adult stem cells in the treatment of human disease, as an ethically acceptable alternative to the use of the ethically challenged fetal and embryonic stem cells.
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Is a special diet required?
No.
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Are any nutritional supplements or medication taken along with stem cell treatment?
Your treating physician may prescribe specific nutritional supplements that may enhance the potential benefits of the Stem Cell Therapy. Such prescriptions will be made on an individual basis, depending on each patient's particular evaluation.
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Does drinking or smoking effect therapy?
Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking can both be detrimental to new progenitor stem cells. It is highly advisable that people do not smoke or drink during their treatment.
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How does one apply to become a patient?
We have Stem Cell Replacement available through our overseas providers using adult and cord blood stem cells.
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What to expect after you apply?
Your information any imaging or imaging reports are reviewed by the Physicians at the clinic. They will determine if you are a candidate who can benefit from Stem Cell Treatment. If you are accepted we will send you a treatment plan and costs that include accommodations.
This process takes about 7 days from the time we have your information and image reports (if images are necessary). If you need to speak with us before you receive that information just call in.
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