CATCH UP! – Stem Cell Research Effective in Heart Disease Patients at Northwestern | Culture11
In ALL ARTICLES on March 30, 2009 at 9:51 amWith hundreds if not thousands of successful adult stem cell treatments around the world for cardiovascular patients, the US is s..l..o..w..l..y.. realizing the benefits of adult stem cells and posting headlines like
“Stem Cell Research Effective in Heart Disease Patients”
Great news! and you are only a full five years late. CATCH UP! – dg
Stem Cell Research Effective in Heart Disease Patients at Northwestern
by Don Margolis, March 29, 2009
Stem Cell Research for Coronary Artery Disease a Success
Dr. Douglas Losordo, the director of Northwestern University’s Cardiovascular Institute is reporting that his stem cell research Phase II study of 170 heart disease (severe coronary artery disease) patients treated with using Adult Stem Cells was a success.
Adult Stem Cells Give Impressive Results
Patients receiving their own Adult Stem Cells had improved tolerance to exercise and less discomfort after their follow up at 6 months.
From the stem cell treatment article:
Dr. Losordo says “The six-month, phase II data provide the first evidence that a patient’s own stem cells could actually be used as a treatment for their heart disease.”
How Adult Stem Cells Work for Heart Disease
It is believed the stem cells help rebuild damaged heart tissue as well as create new blood vessels helping more blood flow through out the body.
5 more years until Stem Cell Therapy Available for Heart Patients?
The results were so promising that Dr. Losordo and Baxter, the stem cell research company that sponsored the study will move forward with a Phase III trial.
After the Phase III trial is completed, Baxter would be able to submit the results to the US FDA for approval. However, before heart disease patients start celebrating, keep in mind that this will take at least 5 more years.
And Stem Cell Research for Other Diseases?
5 more years for Adult Stem Cell treatment to be available to heart patients in the United States- and stem cell therapy for the heart is the most advanced as far as clinical trials using Adult Stem Cells go. So for Diabetes, Emphysema, Peripheral Artery Disease and others…we are probably looking at 10+ years before Adult Stem Cell research will be put to use.
Better Late Than Never for Adult Stem Cells? Is this the best we can hope for? Wait for these endless clinical trials to be completed for each particular disease? Wait for the use of our own cells, something already proven safe? Or is there something we can do to speed things up? A group of US doctors for Adult Stem Cell Therapy are trying to change things. What do you think we can do?
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