Friday, March 25, 2011

United States lacking promising stem cell international therapies

United States is experiencing a lack of potential stem cell therapies these days. A new case has emerged that of Linda Jayaram who was suffering from multiple sclerosis for a period of four decades. The therapy used to involve adult stem cells was not available in USA. The lady decided to go to Israel and got treatment from a university doctor. The therapy was a success and Jayaram showed tremendous improvement after the second infusion. There are several MS patients in America these days who are not satisfied with the kind of treatment available in their own country.

Multiple sclerosis affects central nervous system of patients and its symptoms continue to come and go. Hence, it is assumed that the treatment has worked successfully and requires constant monitoring. The treatments involve the use of stem cells taken from adult tissue that repairs the damaged tissues or revives the immune system. Researchers earlier were not aware of extracting stem cells from menstrual blood which is an abundant source of stem cells. The treatment is being provided in Europe and Asia along with southern part of US border. The reason why this therapy did not get much success in US was the lack of scientific evidence available regarding the success of the therapy.

Only hope is it must show benefits

According to estimates, about 400,000 American residents are suffering from MS today. The cure and the cause of the disease are still not known. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which immune system degrades the protective cover present around the nerves and that further affects the communication between brain and body. The lack o communication between the brain and the body gives rise to symptoms like muscle coordination, fatigue, numbness, loss of balance, speech problem, difficulties in bladder and bowels. A few drugs available are only useful if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. Recently modeled therapy of stem cell international in cancer involves destruction of immune system through chemotherapy. Stem cells injected were isolated from blood before chemo. The newly infected cells reset the immune system to function properly. These days, scientists are also practicing to extract stem cells from menstrual blood storage.

Most exiting discovery

The research has brought about some wonderful miracles. However, the therapy is available in other countries. It is not effective in later stage and also holds high risk for some. In the therapy received by Jayaram there was no chemo involved. Stem cells were taken from bone marrow rather than adult tissue or menstrual blood bank.

US doctors are however concerned that the MS patients go to wrong places sometimes as some clinics do not track patients for improvements later on.

No comments:

Post a Comment