Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system generates cellular and antibody responses to various components of the joint such as type I collagen. As a result of this immune response, not only does joint destruction occur, but also other secondary complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, renal damage, and even heart damage.
Can stem cells help treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety
Paz Rodriguez J, Murphy M, Hong S, Madrigal M, March K, Minev B, Harman R, Chen CS, Berrocal Timmons R, Marleau A, Riordan N
– International Archives of Medicine 2012, 5:5
Advancements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment protocols and introduction of targeted biological therapies have markedly improved patient outcomes, despite this, up to 50% of patients still fail to achieve a significant clinical response. In veterinary medicine, stem cell therapy in the form of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is an accepted therapeutic modality for degenerative conditions with 80% improvement and no serious treatment associated adverse events reported. Clinical translation of SVF therapy relies on confirmation of veterinary findings in targeted patient populations. Here we describe the rationale and preclinical data supporting the use of autologous SVF in treatment of RA, as well as provide 1, 3, 6, and 13 month safety outcomes in 13 RA patients treated with this approach. [more ...]
| Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Neil Riordan, PhD |
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Currently, RA is treated with immune suppressive agents such as steroids, methothrexate, cyclosporine, gold, and more recently infliximab (Remicade). Despite inducing temporary improvement, these approaches possess long-term adverse effects due to non-specific inhibition of immune responses. Additionally, current treatments do not address the issue of damage that has already occurred to the joints or extra-articular tissues.
| “I got my life back…” Michael Foster |
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Stem cell therapy has been demonstrated to induce profound healing activity in animals with various forms of arthritis. For example, the company Vet-Stem routinely utilizes stem cells in horses with various joint deformities to accelerate healing. Besides healing of damaged tissues, stem cells have the unique ability to modulate the immune system so as to shut off pathological responses while preserving ability to fight off disease. Stem cells and specifically, mesenchymal stem cells home to inflamed tissue and start producing anti-inflammatory agents. These mediators act locally and do not suppress the immune response of the patient’s whole body. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells induce the production of T regulatory cells, a type of immune cell whose function is to protect the body against immunological self-attack.
Which kinds of stem cells are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and how are they obtained?
The adult stem cells utilized to treat rheumatoid arthritis come from the patient’s own fat (autologous adipose) tissue.
We collect the fat tissue sample by mini-liposuction, which is performed by a licensed plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. Mesenchymal stem cells and T regulatory cells are found within this tissue. The Medistem Panama laboratory then separates the target cells from the fat. This entire process is subjected to stringent quality control. The remaining adipose-derived stem cells are tested for quality, bacterial contamination (anaerobic and aerobic) and endotoxin before they are approved for treatment.
How are the stem cells administered?
The adipose-derived stem cells are administered intravenously by a licensed physician over the course of each patient’s stay.
Why does adipose stem cell treatment take more than one week? – Intravenously administered adipose-derived stem cells will tend to migrate back to the fresh wound site if it is not given an adequate time to heal. Therefore, it is essential to allow about one week after the mini-liposuction before administering any stem cells intravenously. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the treatment will not be as effective. Additionally, it takes 5 five days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no patient receives an infected sample, at least 5 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the patient. Lastly, this 5-day waiting period enables our scientists to culture a small sample of each patient’s stem cells in the lab to observe how they are likely to proliferate once they are inside the body. If a patient’s cells show low viability, our doctors will supplement the treatment with additional cord-derived cells to compensate. The same can be done in cases of low cell yield.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT PROTOCOL OUTLINE
- • The rheumatoid arthritis treatment protocol typically takes 10 days
- • The first two days: medical evaluation, blood testing, and mini-liposuction
- • 3 intravenous injections of adipose-derived stem cells (during the second week)
- • Intra-articular injections as needed
Will anyone follow up with me after I return home?
Proper follow-up helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our treatments and improve our treatment protocols based on observed outcomes. Therefore, one of our medical staff will contact you regularly to monitor your progress. You will be contacted after 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, and 1 year.
Are there any successfully treated patients with whom I can speak?
| “I don’t have any symptoms now…” Darnell Morris |
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Of course there are. A number of our treated rheumatoid arthritis patients have volunteered to speak with prospective patients after treatment approval. Your patient coordinator will be happy to put you in touch with them at the appropriate time.
We’ve published testimonials from treated rheumatoid arthritis patients on our rheumatoid arthritis patient experiences page. We welcome you to take a look!
How do I request more information?
Please contact us by telephone 1 (800) 980-STEM (toll-free in US) and 1 (954) 636-3390 or by web-based inquiry form.
To find out if you are eligible, Apply for Treatment Today:
To apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES:
Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety
Paz Rodriguez J, Murphy M, Hong S, Madrigal M, March K, Minev B, Harman R, Chen CS, Berrocal Timmons R, Marleau A, Riordan N
– International Archives of Medicine 2012, 5:5
Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells: A Tool for Facilitating Tolerance in Rheumatic Disease
Thomas E. Ichim, Robert J. Harman, Wei-Ping Min, Boris Minev, Fabio Solano, Jorge Paz Rodriguez, Doru T Alexandrescu, Rosalia De Necochea-Campion, Xiang Hu, Annette M Marleau, Neil H Riordan
– Cellular Immunology, February 5th, 2010
Antigen Specific Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ichim T. Zheng X, Suzuki M, Kubo N, Zhang X, Min L, Beduhn M, Riordan N, Inman R, Min W.
– Expert opin. Biol. Ther. 2008; 8(2): 191-199
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Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Patient Testimonials