Umbilical Cord Transplants helping to save older children's lives

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--- Every four minutes, one person in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Blood Stem Cell Transplants have become a standard way to treat children with Leukemia and other blood disorders, but have been limited for only small children.

Doctors are now saving older children by transplanting not just one but two umbilical cords.

Just last year 15-year-old Sabrina Couillard was fighting for her life.

"I was getting really skinny, said Sabrina. I was getting bruises everywhere."

A doctor diagnosed her with leukemia.

"I just broke down and cried," said Marta Gonzalez, Sabrinas mother.

Her only hope for a cure was a Bone Marrow Transplant but doctors couldn't find a match from a family member.

That's when her doctor, Kamar Godder, a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at Miami Childrens Hospital, turned to an alternative stem cell source, the umbilical cord.

Sabrina's doctor gave Sabrina a double umbilical cord transplant.

View original post here:
Umbilical Cord Transplants helping to save older children's lives

Kim Kardashian Wedding Prep: Bride Gets $550 Stem Cell Facial

Like most brides, Kim Kardashian is making her way through her wedding day checklist. Squeezing in a few workouts? Check. Enjoying quality time with her love Kanye West? Check, check. Indulging in a $500 stem cell facial? Check!

PHOTOS: Celeb wedding dress predictions for Kim, Mila and more

Before jetting off to Paris for her wedding weekend, Kardashian, 33, visited Lancer Dermatology for a treatment on Friday, May 16. "Kim's longtime aesthetician Louise Deschamps has been giving Kim stem cell facials for years," a source tells Us Weekly.

PHOTOS: Kim and Kanye, the perfect match

The facial, which starts at $550, begins with the typical cleansing, exfoliating, and extractions. Then a rose oil-coated custom sheet mask is applied.

PHOTOS: Celebs' fave beauty products

After, the aesthetician uses Lancer's famed vegan stem cell serum. The anti-aging Lift Serum Intense ($275, Lancerskincare.com) uses stem cells from a marine plant, which are thought to firm and lift the skin. After a layer is applied, an LED light helps the skin absorb the serum for long-lasting results.

PHOTOS: Kim and more stars with and without bangs

The results of the facial should last a week, so just in time for Kardashian to walk down the aisle.

See the rest here:
Kim Kardashian Wedding Prep: Bride Gets $550 Stem Cell Facial

A brave new world: Stem cell therapy in Lebanon

BEIRUT: Fat removal and a non-surgical facelift at the same time might sound like a two-for-one offer too good to be true. But that is a pretty common combination at the Innovi Stem Cell Therapy Clinic, where doctors extract stem cells from the bodys fat to do any number of cosmetic cleanups, from scar removal to diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

The clinic opened five months ago in the Beirut neighborhood of Sodeco, bringing Lebanon its first specialized center in stem cell research.

Around the world at any given medical conference, from fields as diverse as orthopedics to dentistry, stem cells have become one of the main events, as researchers believe these undifferentiated cells hold the cure to some of the gravest human diseases: cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, to name a few.

In a country like Lebanon, stem cell specialists figured the best way to support their research was to offer one of the most in-demand medical procedures: cosmetic surgery.

Walking through the halls of the elegant, albeit quaint, clinic, one will see top-of-the-line fat freezing technology, equipment for laser hair removal and facilities where doctors carry out medical face peels and stretch mark treatment.

They also offer Ozone therapy, which uses pure oxygen that can supposedly alleviate a range of maladies from skin disorders and premature aging to chronic pain.

But we are not a beauty clinic, said one of the doctors, who asked not to be identified due to Lebanons strict medical advertising laws.

These cosmetic procedures complement their work in stem cells, a far less understood and rapidly evolving area of medicine. Innovi, for example, has built the Middle Easts only stem cell bank, where up to 19,000 vials can be frozen and preserved with liquid nitrogen. The closet housing the bank, which looks like an enormous washing machine, now holds the stem cells of a modest 10 clients.

The clinic has become a hub for various stem cells research. Doctors have visited from Europe and a Syrian doctor is now working with a couple to try and grow sperm from the stem cells of a man with aspermia.

But cosmetic treatments and stem cells go well together as doctors have been using fat-derived cells, also called adipose stem cells, as a Botox-like filler for almost a decade.

See the original post:
A brave new world: Stem cell therapy in Lebanon

Doctors' Choice To Distribute Stemology To Select National Retailers, Resort Destination Spas And Medical Community …

DOCTORS CHOICE TO DISTRIBUTE STEMOLOGY TO SELECT NATIONAL RETAILERS, RESORT DESTINATION SPAS AND MEDICAL COMMUNITY NATIONWIDE http://www.stemologyskincare.com (PRNewsFoto/DermaTech Research/Stemology)

LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Stemology, the world's first and only skincare brand to incorporate the superior features of both humanadult and plant stem cells, along with a stem cell communicator that greatly enhances the benefit of stem cell "signaling" growth factors in an all natural formulation will now be available in physician's offices and select retailers nationwide through Doctors Beauty Group, formerly Doctors' Choice, Inc., the premier distributor of high-end aesthetic products to medical and retail communities. The seven-figure deal marks the largest single business deal for DermaTech Research, LLC, parent company of Stemology.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140515/88201

Doctors Beauty Group will introduce aesthetic professionals, select National retailers and Resort Destinations Spas and their Clients to the superior benefits of Stemology's "best of" approach whose goal is preventing and improving the number one cause of skin aging - the declining production of epidermal, collagen and elastin cells, which results in dull, thin and wrinkled skin.

"As the premiere distributor of esthetic products into Physician offices across the Nation, and a history of strong retail partnerships, we consider ourselves to be leaders in distribution, and leaders belong together," said President and Founder of Doctors Beauty Group, Diva Lauren. "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Stemology skincare. As the first and only brand to bring together both human adult and plant stem cell technologies incorporating the unique features of each - we are confident Stemology will be a top brand for us. The world knows the healing power of stem cells, and stem cells are absolutely the future of skin care - Stemology is a leader in that category."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Diva Lauren and her group of outstanding professionals," said Lori Jacobus, Partner and CMO for Stemology. "Doctors Beauty Group delivers vast experience in our category, representing the biggest brands in skincare. We realized very quickly on in our discussions that they were the right partner to help us achieve our business goals very quickly."

Stemology is committed to the ethical collection and use of stem cells in an FDA approved laboratory, and only uses adult human stem cell technology gathered from FDA certified, volunteer human bone marrow donors. Stemology never uses human or animal embryonic stem cells, is never bioengineered, and no human or animal is harmed during stem cell harvesting. Stemology products are all natural, and intelligently organic wherever possible. They are also free of phthalates, parabens, Gluten, GMO's and petrochemicals and the formulas do not contain any actual stem cells or DNA matter.

The Stemology line consist of:

Doctors Beauty Group, a Denver Colorado Company, formerly Doctors' Choice, Inc., is the premier distributor of high-end aesthetic products to the retail, medical and destination resort communities, representing nearly 5000 doors. Focused on a multi-line, multi-channel approach, Doctors Beauty Group connects retailers and aesthetic professionals to both medical and prestige skincare products through an extensive network of account executives and customer service agents. Doctors Beauty Group is committed to protecting brand integrity and is proud to represent some of the most prestigious brands in the industry. Doctors Beauty Group's goal is to make retailing product easy, accessible, and profitable to every account, regardless of size. The true beauty of the Doctors Beauty Group program is found in the healthy, radiant skin of its members and their customers and patients.

Stemology is available at salon and spa locations, medical offices and online at stemologyskincare.com. For more information visit stemologyskincare.com.

Read more:
Doctors' Choice To Distribute Stemology To Select National Retailers, Resort Destination Spas And Medical Community ...

Sabathia could actually miss 8-12 weeks: Doc

The Yankees would be lucky to get CC Sabathia on the mound in two months, let alone six weeks, according to one doctor familiar with the stem-cell procedure Sabathia underwent last week.

He may be able to practice by then, but I dont think hell be back in the majors before eight-to-12 weeks, said Dr. Selene Parekh, associate professor of surgery in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke Orthopaedics.

Perhaps more importantly, there is so little history regarding the stem-cell injection done by Dr. James Andrews, its difficult to know what to expect.

Since stem cells are naturally occurring, the idea is that by injecting them into Sabathias knee, his body will be able to create new cells to get the knee healthier.

Its a big leap of faith, Parekh said.

Dr. Alexis Colvin, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said there have been promising studies done regarding stem cells ability to reduce cartilage damage, as opposed to cortisone, which only provides pain relief.

Sabathia underwent a stem-cell procedure for his knee that could keep him off the mound longer than the Yankees want.Photo: Getty Images

Parekh said it was similar to the procedures Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant had done in Germany, and Dr. Andrews was bringing the technology to the United States.

Unfortunately, the only way to know if its working is by symptoms, Parekh said.

And if not?

More here:
Sabathia could actually miss 8-12 weeks: Doc

Dr. Todd Malan Named Chief Cell Therapy Officer at Okyanos Heart Institute

Freeport, The Bahamas (PRWEB) May 20, 2014

Okyanos Heart Institute has announced the addition of Dr. Todd Malan to their executive medical team as Chief Cell Therapy Officer and General Surgeon. He will perform and oversee the liposuction step of Okyanos treatment, removing a small amount of fat from patients from which their own stem cells are isolated. Cardiac cell therapy is intended for no-option heart patients who have exhausted the currently available standards of care for their condition, of which there are about 2 million in the United States alone.

Dr. Malan is founder of the Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in advanced liposuction and fat transfer procedures. A pioneer in adipose- (fat) derived stem cell research and fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Malan became the first physician in the United States to utilize adult stem cells from fat tissue for soft tissue reconstruction. He has co-authored two medical textbooks on fat-derived stem cell therapies and has served as principal investigator on two Institutional Review Board- (IRB) approved adult stem cell trials.

As an active member of the adipose stem cell research community, Dr. Malan is very familiar with the therapeutic benefits of adult stem cells for cardiac, as demonstrated in clinical trials, said Dr. Howard Walpole, chief medical officer at Okyanos. He lends his experience and integrated knowledge of both innovative cosmetic surgery and stem cell therapy to our medical leadership team, he added.

"It is truly gratifying to see the gathering of like-minded researchers, clinicians, and administrators who see the remarkable value of developing evidence-based protocols for effective stem cell therapies, said Dr. Malan. He added, This project is a culmination of years of experience between industry leaders who are dedicated to making Okyanos a premier cell therapy center in the world. The work we do today will define the future of medicine for years to come."

Okyanos cardiac cell therapy is the first stem cell-based procedure for heart failure available to patients outside of clinical trials, wherein the patients own adipose-derived stem cells are infused directly into the damaged part of the heart via catheter. Okyanos will begin treating advanced heart disease patients in Freeport, The Bahamas, in the summer of 2014.

ABOUT OKYANOS HEART INSTITUTE: [Oh key AH nos] Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institutes mission is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by founder and CEO Matt Feshbach, as well as Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. Okyanos Treatment utilizes a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells derived from ones own adipose (fat) tissue. The cells, when placed into the heart via a minimally-invasive procedure, can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Angiogenesis facilitates blood flow in the heart, which supports intake and use of oxygen (as demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials such as the PRECISE trial). The literary name Okyanos, the Greek god of rivers, symbolizes restoration of blood flow.

For more information, please visit http://www.okyanos.com/.

Visit link:
Dr. Todd Malan Named Chief Cell Therapy Officer at Okyanos Heart Institute

Sabathia out until at least July

New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia, on the disabled list with a right knee injury, will be out until at least July.

Sabathia received a stem cell treatment injection in the inflamed knee from Dr. James Andrews last week.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told the New York Post that the team was informed that if the process works, Sabathia would need at least six weeks of recovery time.

"Our dialogue with Andrews has been good and the small sample of stem cell procedures, the results are very successful," Cashman said. "But he has to be pain free before strengthening, so there is a way to go. Because he is a starter it will take longer. I have no idea how long it will be and if it will be successful. We are hoping it is six weeks to a major league return."

Sabathia was scheduled to stop using crutches Monday and begin pool therapy on Tuesday. The Yankees hope Sabathia can steadily build strength in the knee and then go through an abridged spring training before getting back on the mound.

The Yankees are also without starter Ivan Nova for the season after having Tommy John surgery. Michael Pineda, who has an injured lat, is throwing bullpen sessions. Cashman said Pineda's target return date is in the second week of June.

The Yankees' current rotation includes Masahiro Tanaka, Hiroki Kuroda, David Phelps, Vidal Nuno and Chase Whitley. Cashman said Adam Warren is the next pitcher the team would turn to if it has a rotation spot opening due to injury or performance.

See the original post here:
Sabathia out until at least July

Groundbreaking hip and stem cell surgery in Southampton

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

16-May-2014

Contact: Becky Attwood r.attwood@soton.ac.uk 44-023-805-92116 University of Southampton

Doctors and scientists in Southampton have completed their first hip surgery with a 3D printed implant and bone stem cell graft.

The 3D printed hip, made from titanium, was designed using the patient's CT scan and CAD CAM (computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing) technology, meaning it was designed to the patient's exact specifications and measurements.

The implant will provide a new socket for the ball of the femur bone to enter. Behind the implant and between the pelvis, doctors have inserted a graft containing bone stem cells.

The graft acts as a filler for the loss of bone. The patient's own bone marrow cells have been added to the graft to provide a source of bone stem cells to encourage bone regeneration behind and around the implant.

Southampton doctors believe this is a game changer. Douglas Dunlop, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, conducted the operation at Southampton General Hospital. He says: "The benefits to the patient through this pioneering procedure are numerous. The titanium used to make the hip is more durable and has been printed to match the patient's exact measurements this should improve fit and could recue the risk of having to have another surgery.

"The bone graft material that has been used has excellent biocompatibility and strength and will fill the defect behind the bone well, fusing it all together."

Over the past decade Mr Dunlop and Professor Richard Oreffo, at the University of Southampton, have developed a translational research programme to drive bone formation using patient skeletal stem cells in orthopaedics.

Original post:
Groundbreaking hip and stem cell surgery in Southampton

Beverly Hills Orthopedic Institute Now Offering Stem Cell Procedures for Cartilage Damage in Joints

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2014

The top Beverly Hills orthopedic surgeon is now offering stem cell procedures for cartilage damage in joints. The procedures have been showing excellent potential for helping repair arthritis damage in joints along with focal defects due to trauma or sporting injuries. Call (310) 438-5343 for more information and scheduling.

As stem cell procedures for joint arthritis and cartilage damage become mainstream, Beverly Hills Orthopedic Institute is leading the way in helping patients achieve pain relief and avoid major surgery. Dr. Raj is the Double Board Certified Medical Director at the practice, and has been named one of the top LA orthopedic surgeons on several occasions.

Dr. Raj treats patients ranging from professional athletes to weekend warriors, to grandparents and celebrities. With exceptional experience in treating extremity joints with stem cell procedures, Dr. Raj is the "go to" regenerative medicine doctor in LA and Beverly Hills.

Multiple types of procedures are performed. The first option involves the patient's own bone marrow derived stem cells, which is a low risk, outpatient procedure. The bone marrow is immediately processed to concentrate the stem cells and injected into the problem joint.

The second type of procedure involves amniotic derived stem cells. These are harvested from consenting donors after scheduled c-sections and then processed at an FDA regulated lab. The amniotic derived fluid has been used over 20,000 times worldwide and is very rich in stem cells and growth factors.

Dr. Raj is an ABC News Medical Correspondent along with a WebMD medical expert. For those in need of pain relief and surgery avoidance with arthritis and cartilage defects, Dr. Raj at Beverly Hills Orthopedic Institute is the top choice in Los Angeles.

Call (310) 438-5343 for more information and scheduling.

Originally posted here:
Beverly Hills Orthopedic Institute Now Offering Stem Cell Procedures for Cartilage Damage in Joints