


However, until such treatments are proven to be safe and of benefit, and validated by data published in recognized scientific journals that objectively scrutinize their procedures, the Society encourages patients to participate only in cell therapy studies that are part of a research program affiliated with a recognized academic institution with rigorous oversight and approval by regulatory bodies. The Society fully supports research into the area of cell-based therapies and recognizes that there potentially is much to be gained by research in this important area. The Society wishes to caution patients about some treatments that are carried out without appropriate supportive scientific research and are performed outside a recognized academic or clinical setting. A concerning practice that has evolved is ‘stem-cell tourism’ in which patients will travel far distances and pay large sums of money to private clinics for these unproven cell therapies. Many of the claims of considerable benefit are unsubstantiated and do not address potentially very significant side effects. Regulatory approval for the procedure might not even be in place. Unfortunately, in most of these cases the appropriate submission of techniques and results for independent scientific peer-review is missing. Information about the scientific laboratory studies that support the use of these types of approaches and the outcome of these treatments should be published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. Some clinics claim that the stem cells do not need to develop into nerve cells, but instead release an undefined cocktail of factors that somehow is supposed to support the survival of remaining nerve cells or stimulate them to regrow new contacts in the brain. The nature of these ‘stem-cells’ varies widely with respect to their origin and potential to become nerve cells. Several business enterprises world-wide offer ‘stem-cell therapies’ for many neurological diseases including PD by injection of ‘stem-cells’ into the veins, the spinal fluid or even the brain. In addition, PD involves the loss of different types of cells and current efforts are mostly focused on replacing only the dopamine-producing nerve cells, which means that not all symptoms are like to improve following this type of cell therapy. These include identifying the disease stage that is most suited for this type of therapy, defining what type of nerve cells have the most appropriate properties, turning stem cells into nerve cells with normal physiological functions, ensuring that they do not grow uncontrollably and form tumors (a particular risk with stem cells), injecting them safely into the right place in the patient’s brain, making them connect to other remaining nerve cells and communicate with them without causing adverse effects. However, there are important limitations to such a strategy. Theoretically, such cells could replace or repair those lost or damaged in the disease process, thereby improving symptoms. Interest has focused in particular on cell-based therapies, including the use of stem cells. The last several years have seen exciting advances in the development of potential new therapies for PD. This review is intended to provide readers with a balanced view of the current state of cell therapies in PD. The Scientific Issues Committee on behalf of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) has commissioned a brief review of the current place of cell-based therapies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) from recognized international experts. This is why so many Americans travel to international stem cell therapy clinics like ours.įortunately, we have a World class International stem cell therapy clinic that helps Americans fight disease and injury with stem cell injections and IV therapy.Lay Summary: Use of cell-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease

Perhaps, the strength of the lobbyists working on behalf of the pharmaceutical companies have influenced government officials and delayed the use of stem cell treatments in the U.S. government lags the rest of the World when it comes to advanced stem cell therapy. Unfortunately for Americans suffering from neurological or autoimmune disorders, the U.S.

Our stem cell treatments have helped patients with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, TBI, and more. Our treatment protocol introduces healthy stem cells into an injured or diseased patient to facilitate tissue growth and healing. International stem cell clinics can offer treatments that are proven to be effective and safe.
