Stem cell research has been a hot topic in the news: embryonic stem cells have raised ethical concerns regarding the sanctity of human life. However, much of stem cell science is noncontroversial, allowing all of us to benefit from their remarkable health properties.
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Often stem cells used in therapy are sourced from a patient’s own body. The cells are taken from the blood, bone marrow, or elsewhere and reintroduced to the body at the site of damage, expediting the healing process. In other cases, the stem cells are taken from umbilical cord blood donated by women after they have given birth.
Study reviews drug that could help those with knee pain
Rush University Medical Center started a study last year of Cartistem, a stem cell drug created from the blood of umbilical cords. The study is surveying the efficacy of the drug for the treatment of knee cartilage that has deteriorated due to osteoarthritis, injury, or the aging process.
To create the drug, stem cells are combined with hyaluronan, a natural compound that assists with healing and is an essential ingredient of cartilage. In the study, the drug is introduced to the knee after arthroscopic surgery has been performed.
Ongoing study hopes to improve knee pain treatments
The study will be conducted on a dozen adult patients who have significant cartilage damage and a body mass index within the healthy range. All of the study participants will be treated with Cartistem for one year, with observation throughout. They will then return for a final analysis once an additional year has passed. The observational period of the study will be complete by 2015.
According to Dr. Brian Cole, the director of the study, the research team will evaluate safety of the treatment method. They will also determine the drug’s capacity to repair cartilage and alleviate discomfort for individuals whose knee cartilage has become degraded.
Treatment sought to avoid surgery
Damage to cartilage can easily lead to chronic health situations: there are no nerves or blood vessels in cartilage, so it does not heal easily. Researchers around the world are attempting to discover natural therapies that will spur cartilage regrowth. Stem cell therapy could also be significantly safer than more invasive treatments, such as complicated surgeries.
This new research study is exciting because it will further develop our understanding of cartilage treatments. However, stem cell therapy is already a component of safe and comprehensive knee pain treatment plans. Contact Weston Medical today for an initial consultation to regain your quality of life.
