All articles tagged with #stem cell therapy
In six pregnancies with fetal spina bifida, researchers applied donor placental stem cells during prenatal spinal repair. The phase I CuRe trial found no stem-cell-related adverse events or infections, and newborns showed signs the surgery worked (hindbrain herniation reversal) with no hydrocephalus shunts at birth; long-term benefits remain unknown, and a larger Phase I/IIa trial is underway.
A small US trial treated six fetuses with open spina bifida using placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells during in‑utero repair. The procedure appeared safe, reversed hindbrain herniation in all cases, and was associated with improved mobility and quality of life after birth, with no tumours or wound-healing issues observed. If reproduced, this approach could become part of standard fetal surgery for spina bifida, marking a potential major step forward in birth defect treatment.
Keck Medicine of USC leads an early-stage trial testing induced pluripotent stem cells engineered to become dopamine-producing brain cells, implanted into the basal ganglia to restore dopamine and motor function in Parkinson’s disease; the 12-participant, multi-site study monitors safety and efficacy for 12–15 months after surgery, with up to five years of follow-up.
Researchers at USC are conducting a phase 2b clinical trial to test a stem cell-derived retinal implant aimed at reversing damage caused by dry age-related macular degeneration, potentially restoring vision in affected patients.
A BMJ study claiming stem cell therapy reduces heart failure risk has been scrutinized for serious data inconsistencies, including age mismatches and suspicious data patterns, leading to calls for retraction and raising concerns about research integrity in the field.
A 12-year-old boy with a rare skin disorder, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, has improved his quality of life and ability to play sports after participating in a clinical trial involving stem cell infusions, which showed promising results in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Kim Kardashian credits stem cell treatments received in Mexico with curing her torn shoulder and chronic back pain, highlighting the benefits of regenerative medicine after trying various options in the US failed to provide relief.
A small stem cell trial using zimislecel by Vertex Pharmaceuticals has temporarily cured or significantly reduced insulin dependence in 10 out of 12 severe Type 1 diabetes patients, offering hope for future treatments.
A groundbreaking human trial in the UK is set to test Rincell-1, a stem cell therapy aimed at reversing sensorineural hearing loss by regenerating damaged inner ear nerves, potentially improving or replacing cochlear implant treatments.
A new stem cell treatment developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals shows promise in curing severe type 1 diabetes, with a clinical trial demonstrating significant improvements and reduced insulin dependence in most participants, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits.
A study presented at the American Diabetes Association's meeting shows that an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy called zimislecel enabled 10 out of 12 participants with type 1 diabetes to produce their own insulin and maintain healthy blood glucose levels for at least a year, with no severe hypoglycemia episodes reported after three months.
A new trend in luxury medical tourism involves $60,000 stem-cell injections, highlighting a growing market for high-end health treatments abroad.
Stem cell therapy holds promise for treating various diseases, but while some treatments like bone marrow transplants are well-supported by research, many marketed by clinics are unproven, expensive, and potentially risky.
Robin Gordon-Cartier, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 50, saw her life deteriorate due to the disease. After traditional treatments failed, she participated in a clinical trial at the Tisch MS Research Center of New York, receiving six stem cell injections over a year. Five years later, she has regained significant strength and mobility, allowing her to resume her career as a harpist and teacher. While the treatment shows promise, it is not a cure and further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and scalability.
Researchers in Shanghai have reportedly cured a 59-year-old patient of type 2 diabetes using stem cells derived from the patient's blood, which were transformed into pancreatic islet cells and transplanted into the pancreas. This procedure enabled the pancreas to produce its own insulin, allowing the patient to stop insulin and oral diabetes medications. The patient has remained insulin-independent for 33 months, marking a significant breakthrough in diabetes treatment, though further research is needed to replicate the results on a larger scale and explore similar treatments for type 1 diabetes.