Issue 36.17
One of the most promising emerging therapies I have come across in the last 10 years is stem cell therapy. This therapy utilizes a particular type of stem cell, the mesenchymal stem cell, or MSC. These cells are believed to have a regenerative and reparative function and are located throughout the body. As we age, the number of these cells decline significantly, which may explain in part, why our bodies ability to heal itself declines over time.
The richest source of stem cells in the body, including MSC’s, is the umbilical cord and cord blood. In adults, bone marrow and adipose tissue can also contain relatively high numbers of MSC’s. Several therapies currently exist that utilize MSC’s from bone marrow, adipose tissue or placental/umbilical cord tissue. Although anecdotal evidence exists suggesting that many of these therapies are helpful, most of these therapies are unproven, very expensive, and potentially dangerous. I would recommend that anyone considering these therapies consult with their physician prior to undergoing treatment.
Several national, FDA approved trials are currently investigating the use of MSC’s for the treatment of advanced rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, autism and heart failure. A recent phase I clinical study from Duke university, demonstrated significant behavioral improvements after treating children with autism with cord blood. Over the last several years, physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain in St George have been participating in the first FDA approved, phase III stem cell therapy for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. The phase II trial showed promise in what has historically been a difficult problem to treat.
A case study in France has also shown significant promise when using stem cells from bone marrow aspirate in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. In the series, patients had one knee treated with bone marrow aspirate stem cells, and the other knee treated with total knee replacement. Failure rates, as evidence by further surgical intervention, for the patients treated with the stem cell procedure were less than the total knee replacement, and when questioned, patients preferred the stem cell procedure 4 to 1 over the total knee replacement. This procedure is currently being offered by physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain.
If you are interested in learning more about stem cell therapy, and the types of regenerative medicine procedures being offered by physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain, please contact us at 435-656-2424 and schedule an appointment.
Rick Obray M.D. is a spine and pain care specialist at Southwest Spine and Pain and is a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine. He obtained his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed residency and fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Mayo Clinic. He is board certified in Radiology and Interventional Pain medicine.