Posted on 03/21/2008 8:24:56 PM PDT by neverdem
BOSTON (WBZ) ― There's been a lot of controversy over the use of embryonic stem cells in recent years, but adult stem cells, which few people oppose using, are already giving some patients a new lease on life.
Donald Reid is hoping adult stem cells will give him more time. "There's not many options left for me."
The 57-year-old has clogged arteries and heart disease so bad; he's not a candidate for surgery. Instead, he's joined an experimental study that involves a special machine. It's taking his blood and pulling out stem cells. We're not talking about stem cells from an embryo -- these are Donald's own adult stem cells.
In the coming days, doctors will inject them directly into Donald's heart with the hope it will regenerate and revitalize the damaged organ.
Adult stem cells have become standard therapy for treating several types of cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, but according to new research, this treatment is now starting to show real promise in treating other diseases.
A review of hundreds of trials found in some patients adult stem cells have stopped auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Some heart patients like Donald have also seen improvement. Weill Cornell's Michael Schuster is excited by the results but warns it's still early. "We don't know yet what the best technique is, we don't really know how much of a benefit the patients will have."
And when it comes to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: "I think we're still a few years away from knowing whether stem cells really turn out to be the answer."
Donald should have an answer much sooner. His wish... "To be like everyone else and not have to worry about that my heart might give out."
In the coming weeks, Donald will know if that wish came true.
My God, why aren’t they giving this guy oral chelation with EDTA? For cryin’ out loud it will start cutting right through plaque clogging his arteries.
My God, why aren’t they giving this guy oral chelation with EDTA? For cryin’ out loud it will start cutting right through plaque clogging his arteries.
ACtually he needs intravenous chelation with EDTA. Works a lot better than oral.
regenerative medicine ping
But what about change?
Broccoli May Help Boost Aging Immune System
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
Lysine Pauling
and read about what amounts to a cure for heart disease.
(BTW. Pauling did die.
At 93.
From prostate cancer.)
But, but, but, embryonic stem cells offer hope too...false hope so far...but hope none-the-less.
You gotta admit, regenerating a heart is quite a change! ;o)
How about CoEnzyme Q 10? A traditional doctor wouldn’t think of doing this. It doesn’t require a prescription. How about Vit C, Vit D? Incompentency. This is why I do not go to doctors.
Thanks for the ping/post. Interesting.
I wonder how donald made out??
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