Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) is a debilitating lung condition that leaves patients unable to breathe or enjoy life. It is also known as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive asthma. COPD is rated as the third leading killer in the United States, killing approximately 120,000 individuals a year. Persons suffering from COPD also experience chronic disability and often a low quality of life. Sufferers also require a large amount of medical care with its expense and the need to stay near medical facilities and personnel. COPD is a very limiting and deadly disease.
This paper is designed to help readers gain a greater understanding of the use of adult stem cells for COPD and offer a framework for evaluating if stem cell treatment is a potential step for you or your loved one. We will cover the following:
Feel free to skip to sections that provide information that is helpful to you.
For more information including definitions and descriptions of COPD visit: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/copd/DS00916
Skip to next section
COPD is a chronic condition and therefore typically requires long term medications. The commonly used treatment options are:
With the exception of surgery, these treatment options are all considered supportive. They help the symptoms but do not change the underlying disease. A simplified diagram of these treatments is:
A COPD patient may be prescribed one, several or all of these at one time or another during the course of their illness. Some patients suffer without using any treatments. The effectiveness of treatment varies greatly both between patients and over the course of the illness. Many patients with COPD do very well for many years with exercise with or without medications.
For more information on the treatment of COPD see: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/copd-management-tools.html or http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=23801
If you are a person doing well using these options, this might not be the right time to consider adult stem cell treatment.
Skip to next section
If you are doing well with your current medical therapy, you may not be an ideal candidate for adult stem cell therapy. Persons should consider adult stem cell therapy for COPD include:
Lung changes in COPD
Adult stem cell therapy DOES NOT assure a response in these patients. However, it does offer an alternative that they may wish to consider. We will discuss results below.
Skip to next section
All stem cells, no matter their source, share two important characteristics:
When we obtain stem cells from mature adult tissues they are referred to as adult stem cells. As with all stem cells, the potential exists for adult stem cells to become any type of cell and then make new copies of the new cell type. This ability to become any type of cell and then make as many cells as needed is the reason for so much interest in adult stem cells. We refer to the process of obtaining adult stem cells as harvesting. To be a good tissue for harvesting, a tissue should be easy to harvest and have an abundant number of stem cells. The two tissues that most readily meet these requirements are bone marrow and fat.
Adult stem cells taken from fat are also known as adipose derived adult stem cells. Stem cells from fat have become increasingly attractive because stem cells from fat are easier to obtain and exist in larger numbers than bone marrow adult stem cells.
For more information on stem cells visit:
What are stem cellsor California Stem Cell Center
Skip to next section
It is a simple process to harvest adult stem cells from fat. First we select an area to take the fat like the stomach or leg. The area is marked and sterilized. Next a local anesthetic solution is injected into the area through a small incision. Suction is applied using a syringe with a special tool called a cannula attached. Typically 50 ml (about 1 1.2 oz.) of fat is suctioned for processing.
There can be some swelling and /or bruising after the harvesting procedure. Swelling and bruising typically resolve in about 2-3 weeks. Patients are given a prescription for pain medications in case they need them. An antibiotic is given before the procedure. Since the procedure is done sterilely, no further antibiotics are needed. Applying ice to the harvest area for a few days after the procedure reduces the swelling and bruising.
After harvesting we take the fat and do some simple processing to isolate the adult stem cells. When finished, the final product is called Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF). SVF is a very powerful mixture of adult stem cells and growth factors. Growth factors are the chemical messengers our bodies use to promote healing and cell growth. Growth factors have sometimes been referred to as text messages between cells. A typical batch of SVF contains up to about 25 million adult stem cells. Each SVF batch also contains a large amount of growth factors. The growth factors harvested in SVF tend to be highly anti-inflammatory. After harvesting and processing the SVF is now ready to be deployed for your COPD. It can also be used for many other disorders. A number of deployment protocols under investigation for a large number of disorders.
For more about the harvesting process please visit: Harvesting adult stem cells
Skip to next section
We refer to the process of actually using the adult stem cells/SVF ( Stromal Vascular Fraction ) as deployment. The typical deployment for COPD is intravenous. We also nebulize a small amount of the stme cells/SVF and have the patient inhale it.
The IV is started in the office and the stem cells/SVF is injected into a small IV bag. This is then given to the patient over 20-30 minutes. The nebulizer is given during the time the IV is running. When the nebulizer and IV are finished, the IV is discontinued and the patient is discharged.
Skip to next section
Although research is in progress, there are currently no treatment groups large enough to answer this question conclusively. It is important to be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has NOT approved the use of adult stem cells/SVF ( Stromal Vascular Fraction ) for any disorder including COPD. Understanding these issues, we do have enough experience to talk about early trends in therapy.
Around 90% of patients respond to deployment with adult stem cells/SVF. The most common response is an increase in exercise ability. Patients feel they can walk further without becoming winded. Patients also note an increase in their oxygen saturation levels (O2 sat). Most patients respond to only one deployment. Some require a repeat deployment in 3-6 months.
This is one of the most common questions asked by our adult stem cell/SVF ( Stromal Vascular Fraction ) patients. Response to deployment for COPD varies from a few days to about 3 months. If a patient has not seen a significant improvement after about 3 months, we recommend a repeat deployment. Many patients continue to see improvement for several months. When they plateau or regress, we then consider a repeat deployment for them as well.
Most of the time repeat deployment is done after the patient has seen some improvement and more improvement is sought. Occasionally, repeat deployment is done because the patient has lost some improvement previously seen. The question of how many deployments are best and how often they are needed is an area of intense interest and study at this time. It is too early to say conclusively that adult stem cells treatment promotes the growth of new lung cells.
We hope we have answered the majority of your questions. If you have others or wish to schedule a consultation please call: 214-420-7970.
Follow this link:
Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Dallas
- Stem cell research: The debate over embryonic and adult ... [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- 4. The Adult Stem Cell [Stem Cell Information] [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- What are adult stem cells? [Stem Cell Information] [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- Stem Cell Information - National Institutes of Health [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- Stem Cell Science Reviews and Adult Stem Cell Nutrition ... [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cell Breakthrough Surgery for Avascular ... [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2015]
- Millions More Adult Stem Cells from 2 Stem Cell Enhancer ... [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2015]
- Induced pluripotent stem cell - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cells - HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cells' Role in Disease Management and Anti-Aging [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cells 101 | Boston Children's Hospital [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- The Case for Adult Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- Stem Cell Research Facts - Adult Stem Cell Success [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cells - Research - Stem Cell Biology and ... [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2015]
- WHERE DO WE GET ADULT STEM CELLS? - Stem cell [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2015]
- Stem Cells Market Analysis by Product (Adult Stem Cells ... [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2015]
- Adult Stem Cells Effective Against MS | National Review Online [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2015]
- Why are Adult Stem Cells Important? | Boston Children's ... [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2015]
- How are Adult Stem Cells Turned into Treatments? | Boston ... [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2015]
- Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cells - Brown University [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2015]
- Inducible Site-Specific Recombination in Neural Stem ... [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Adult Stem Cells: The Best Kept Secret In Medicine | The ... [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2016]
- Adult Stem Cells: The Best Kept Secret In Medicine ... [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2016]
- Stem Cell Basics V. | stemcells.nih.gov [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2016]
- Adult Stem Cells and Regeneration | HHMI BioInteractive [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2017]
- Stem Cells Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share ... [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2017]
- Adult Stem Cell Banking Information from Celltex Therapeutics [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Storing Stem Cells In Teeth For Your Familys Future Health [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- A*STAR scientists identify role of key stem cell factor in gastric cancer progression - Biotechin.Asia [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Adult Stem Cells Save Woman Ravaged by Lupus, Now She Can be a Mom - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Scientists Turn Back the Clock on Adult Stem Cells Aging ... [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Unanimous Advice To FDA: Approve Landmark CAR-T Cancer Therapy - Xconomy [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2017]
- Regenerative Medicine: The Future of Medicine is Here Miami's ... - Miami's Community Newspapers [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2017]
- Only as Old as the Brain's Stem Cells Feel - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Stem cells in brain located by scientists could help reverse ageing process - The Independent [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Hypothalamic Stem Cells Control Aging in Mice - Sci-News.com [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Stem Cells Offer New Solutions for Lung Disease - Miami's Community Newspapers [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- Gene editing used to repair diseased genes in embryos - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2017]
- Advancells Announces Successful Reversal of Multiple Sclerosis Through Adult Stem Cell Therapy - New Kerala [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2017]
- Is stem cell injection the cure-all miracle? - Health24 [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Orphan Black is ending, but how far has human cloning come? - The Verge [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2017]
- Adult brain's fear HQ can grow new cells - Cosmos [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2017]
- Adult brains produce new cells in previously undiscovered area - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2017]
- The Adult Brain Can Regenerate Neurons in an Unexpected Area, Says New Study - ScienceAlert [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- ASC Biosciences, Inc. to appear on the "Informed" series hosted by Rob Lowe - Markets Insider [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- Want to live longer? Forever Labs wants to help, using your stem cells - Digital Trends [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- ORGANOID - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2017]
- Are stems cells really the fountain of youth? - Star2.com - Star2.com [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2017]
- Ethical Stem Cells Relieve Parkinson's in Monkeys - National Review [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2017]
- Stem Cell Market Analysis 2022: Latest Trends, Top Manufactures and Business Opportunities - satPRnews (press release) [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2017]
- FDA Grants Orphan Drug Status to Cellect's ApoGraft for Acute GvHD and Chronic GvHD - Markets Insider [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2017]
- Presto Therapeutics Recruits Top Names For Advisory Boards - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2017]
- Researchers point way to improved stem cell transplantation therapies - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Clarkson professor awarded $420000 grant to study development of intestinal stem cells using zebrafish vertebrate ... - North Country Now [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- 4. The Adult Stem Cell | stemcells.nih.gov [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2017]
- Adult Stem Cells in Greenville, SC [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2017]
- How Adult Stem Cells Can Help Stop Pain and Reverse Aging [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2017]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Cancer, MSCTC - KUMC [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- Your Stem Cell Questions Answered - webmd.com [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2017]
- What are Adult Stem Cells? | Adult Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2018]
- 5 Benefits to Using Adult Stem Cells in Cancer Research [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2018]
- Sources of Adult Stem Cells - Stem Cell Institute [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2018]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy 101, MSCTC [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2018]
- Adult Stem Cell Research Leaving Embryos Behind - CBS News [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2018]
- Stem Cells, Characteristics, Properties, Different ... [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2018]
- Difference between Adult and Embryonic Stem Cells [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2018]
- Types of Adult Stem Cells Stem Cell Institute StemCell ... [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2018]
- Understanding Adult and Embryonic Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2018]
- Stem Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Injection Provider Finder ... [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2018]
- Fact Sheet: Adult Stem Cell Research and Transplants ... [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2018]
- stem cell | Definition, Types, Uses, Research, & Facts ... [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2018]
- What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Embryonic ... [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2018]
- Induced pluripotent stem cell - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2018]
- Adult Stem Cells Show Anti-Aging Potential - genengnews.com [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2018] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2018]
- 6 Pros and Cons of Adult Stem Cells | Green Garage [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2018]
- Conditions and Diseases Treated | Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2018]
- What is Adult Stem Cell Therapy? | Okyanos Center for ... [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2019]
- Adult Stem Cells // Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative ... [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2019]
- What are adult stem cells? - StemExpress Donor Center [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2019]
- A few questions about stem cells? | Yahoo Answers [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2019]