Research Updates
STEM CELL THERAPY
C. Verfaillie, Univ. of Minn.
BioMark July 2002
"They have been called magic seeds. They have the ability to cure disease, regenerate organs, even prolong life. They could completely alter the way we practice medicine." -- Fortune Magazine.
Embryonic Stem cells were discovered in 1997. Since that time, much data has been amassed in international clinical studies on these miraculous cells. They have been documented as effective treatment for most all degenerative conditions as well as injuries. This is due to their capacity to regenerate the blood system, as well as every single organ, tissue and cell system in the human body. This "plasticity" was proven in a 2002 study by Dr. Verfaillie at University of Minnesota.
Stem cells are master healer cells which carry a blue print for optimal human health. They have been proven to migrate to the site of disease and upon arrival divide to produce a copy of themselves and a progenitor "parent" cell for the area of need.
There are three types of human stem cells classified on the basis of their source:
1)Embryonic Stem Cells, derived from in vitro fertilizations or from fetal tissue. These are technically the most powerful stem cells, but cost prohibitive and with obvious right to life issues.
2)Adult Stem Cells, derived from bone marrow of adults. These are older cells with the weakest potential. They also require a very specific matching in order to avoid graft vs. host reaction.
3)Cord Blood Stem Cells, derived from otherwise discarded umbilical cords from natural full term births. These cells are classified as adult stem cells, but because they are only nine months old, they contain much of the power of the Embryonic Stem Cells with none of the right to life issues. BioMark uses only Cord Blood Stem Cells donated from consenting mothers of full term births.
BioMark provides access to a unique and proprietary method of Cord Blood Stem Cell processing: The Cord Blood Stem Cells (CBSC) are derived from the umbilical cord of consenting mothers who have been safety tests in accordance with American Association of Blood Banks standards. The pure stem cells are then separated from the rest of the cord blood with a patented technology, and are cryogenically frozen in vials, under strict laboratory conditions.
These Cord Blood Stem Cells are:
*Pure, with no red or white cells. This negates the need for blood typing or HLA matching.
*Safe, with no graft versus host or rejection issues (as is the potential from whole cord blood).
*Pluripotent, CBSC have been proven to regenerate every single cell in the human body. (C. Verfaillie, Univ. of Minnesota July 2002)
In most cases, Cord Blood Stem Cells Therapy involves one simple IV (intravenous) injection.
Once in the body, the cells migrate to the site of disease and begin replacing damaged or missing cells. This process of noticeable reconstitution usually peaks between 3 and 6 months following treatment. Often significant results are noted at the one month mark.
Stem Cell Therapy should not be undertaken without consulting a qualified physician.
Disease Type Applicability: The scope of results and clinical applications of cord blood stem cells are wide. The cells have been proven to improve most degenerative conditions, with improvements often based more upon the degree of degeneration than the disease type. Cord blood was used therapeutically for the first time in 1988. Since then, 16 years of scientific studies and clinical trials reveal that blood diseases, auto-immune conditions, viral conditions and neurodegenerative diseases respond impressively to cord blood therapy. Recent study has expanded this scope of application significantly.
CONDITIONS INCLUDE:
1)Neurodegenerative Conditions (MS, ALS, Parkinson's, MD, Stroke, Autism)
-MS, stem cell regenerate neurons, myelin (proven in an NIH/Natl. MS Society study) and rebalance the auto immune components of the blood.
-ALS, stem cells regenerate neurons, specifically motor neurons and decrease muscle spasms and degeneration.
-Parkinson's, dopamine producing neurons are regenerated.
-MD, muscle cells are regenerated.
-Stroke, recent studies have shown that in 90% of cases where stem cells were applied shortly after incident, dramatic decrease in the effects of the stroke were noted. If applied in the years following, neuronal regeneration has been noted alongside symptomatic decrease.
-Autism, immune cells are regenerated, facilitating detoxification and regenerating necessary neurons.
2)Ocular Disorders - Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
-Glaucoma, ocular nerves have shown regeneration.
-RP, blood vessels are easily strengthened, and peripheral as well as night vision restored.
3)Auto Immune Conditions (Lupus, MS, R.Arthritis, Diabetes, etc.)
-In all above conditions stem cells regulate white cell imbalances.
-In Diabetes actual pancreatic islet cells are produced.
4)Viral Conditions (Hepatitis C and AIDS)
-Hematopoietic stem cell cells have been proven to regenerate liver cells in Hep C and Cirrhosis conditions.
-Immune system is supported for a powerful anti viral response.
5) Heart Disease
-Cardiac tissue has been shown to regenerate, facilitating healthy heart function.
-Stem cells have been proven to build new myocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells.
-The above cells generate de novo myocardium, inclusive of coronary arteries, arterioles and capillaries.
-This was recently illustrated during the injection of stem cells to an injured teen's heart with full restoration of function in place of a complete heart transplant.
6) Adrenal Disorders
-Stem cells have been shown to clinically reduce the effects of Addison's Disease.
7)Injury (nerve, brain, etc.)
-Injured areas can be reconstituted using stem cells.
8)Anti aging (hair, skin, weight control, overall well being/prevention)
-Many patients have noted thickening and restoration of hair.
-Skin quality has also improved, with regards to coloring and wrinkle reduction.
-Underweight patients have consistently gained optimal amounts of weight.
-Varicose and spider veins have been noted to disappear.
9)Emotional Disorders
-Depression associated with MS, RP and cancer has consistently been put into temporary or long term remission.
10) Organ/Tissue Cancers
-Immune system support (inciting a reduction of cancer cells)
11)Blood Cancers
-Stem cells regulate blood cell imbalances.
-Post chemotherapy, stem cells efficate blood cell reconstitution (in the place of a bone marrow or entire cord blood transplant).
12)Blood diseases (Wiscott Aldrich's Syndrome, etc.)
-Stem cells have been proven to regenerate and balance the blood system.
-Stem cells function in the place of an entire cord transplant without requiring chemotherapeutic ablation.
TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS
Since the first whole cord blood transplant in 1988, traditional hospitals and universities have implemented this treatment over 2,000 times for blood cancers and blood diseases.
Applications of whole cord blood, previously treated by bone marrow transplant are listed by the American Association of Blood banks as follows:
Malignant Diseases
*Acute lymphocyte leukemia
*Acute myelocytic leukemia
*Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia
*Chronic myelogenous leukemia
*Neuroblastoma
*Refractory anemia with excess blasts
Nonmalignant Diseases
*Fanconi anemia
*Aplastic anemia
*Refractory anemia
*Thalassemia
*Sickle cell anemia
*Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
*Kostmann syndrome
*Blackfan-Diamond syndrome
*Severe combined immunodeficiency
*X-linked lymphoproliferative disorder
*Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
*Hurler syndrome
*Hunter syndrome
*Gunther disease
*Osteoporosis
*Globoid cell leukodystrophy
*Adrenoleukodystrophy
Disclaimer: It is not an FDA approved procedure and is in no way to be construed or presented as a cure for any degenerative disease or injury.
Act Now! Here's Your Chance To Get Medicare
Coverage For MS Rx Right Now
National M.S. Society (07/04)
You can't win if you're not in. Chapter/Client Outreach Information: As you know, the Medicare MS demonstration project details have been announced. Please reach out to clients and health care professionals through all available communications channels: chapter website, support groups, events, programs, mailings, newsletters, and any chapter committees. The following information should be shared with clients who have previously contacted chapters regarding Medicare coverage for their MS therapy.
Demonstration Project Description: Implementation has now begun of the $500 million nationwide Medicare demonstration project covering certain therapies for 50,000 patients who have multiple sclerosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and pulmonary hypertension. This is a good chance to obtain comprehensive Medicare coverage for any one of the four MS self-injected disease modifying therapies from September 2004 through December 2005 (until the overall Medicare prescription drug benefit begins in January 2006). For those selected to participate in the demonstration, Medicare will cover 75% of your MS drug costs - more than those with low incomes - and coverage will allow patients to inject their MS therapies at home.
Application: If you're interested, start the process now! There is a very short time window to apply for the demonstration. Applications will be accepted as early as July 6, 2004. The deadline for application acceptance is September 30, 2004.
Applications must be submitted to Trailblazer Health Enterprises, the contractor administering this demonstration, whose address is on the application form. Starting today, you may download an application from the Centers for Medicare and medicaid Services (CMS)'s website at:
http://wwwcms.hhs.gov/forms/cms10113.pdf
Selection Process: There will be two lotteries to select Medicare beneficiaries who will receive coverage for the disease -modifying MS therapies. For those applications accepted before August 16, 2004, there will be a lottery on that date and about 10% of recipients will be selected via the first lottery. For those applications not selected in the first lottery plus those accepted after August 16, 2004, there will be a second lottery on September 20, 2004, the application deadline.
Co-Pays--Low Income Assistance-Other Copay Assistance: For coverage during the remainder of calendar year 2004 (about three to four months), the Medicare demo will pay 95% of the MS therapy costs, once the beneficiary has expended $1,200 in co-payments (which should be met in the first month of coverage).
For those with limited assets and annual incomes less than about $14,000 for an individual and $19,000 for a couple, the co-pays will be much less.
For 12 months of coverage in calendar year 2005, the Medicare demo will cover 5% of the MS therapy costs, once the beneficiary has expended $3,600 in co-payments (which should be met in about the first three months of coverage).
Again for those with limited assets and annual incomes less than about $14,000 for an individual and $19,000 for couple, he co-pays will be much less.
NOTE: Medicare supplemental (Medicap) policies. cannot pay for or reimburse beneficiaries for the set of their drugs under this demonstration, and Medicare approved drug discount cards cannot be used to pay for medications covered under this demonstration.
We expect additional co-pay assistance will be available through a foundation for those annual incomes up to possibly $40,000, however, details about this assistance are not yet known.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible:
*You must have Medicare Part B, and have or be ale to obtain Medicare Part A coverage.
*Medicare must pay fist for your health care services (called the primary payer).
*Your doctor must submit a signed "Physician Certification of Beneficiary Eligibility of medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration" form (part of the application package) explaining that you need one of the injected MS therapies.
*You must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
*You don't have any other comprehensive insurance or drug assistance that covers most of the cost of the injected MS therapies (such as Medicaid, an employer or union group health plan, TRICARE, or a drug company assistance plan).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Between now and July 6, beneficiaries who have questions about this Medicare demonstration may call 1-800-MEDICARE.
On July 6, Trailblazer's customer service representatives will be available at 1-866-563-5386, TTY Number: 1-899-536-5387.
For more background information on this demonstration project, please visit: http:// www.nationalmssociety.org/2004_rx_demo.asp
Also, anyone on Secure Horizons or Rocky Mountain HMO will not qualify for the demonstration project.
LIVING WITH MS:
Emotional Aspects of MS
National M.S. Society
In addition to its physical symptoms, MS can have a profound effect on one's emotions. People can have painful feelings about the disease as well as mood changes caused by the disease. Education, support, a healthy lifestyle, and medications and professional help when necessary, can make all the difference.
Common Emotional Reactions: Regardless of the kind of MS a person develops, emotional reactions are likely to be similar. Some emotions are:
Fear, Denial, Anger, Grieving, Depression, Guilt.
Depression: People with MS should be aware that depression is common during the course of the disease. Depression does not indicate weak character and it should not be considered something shameful that needs to be hidden.
Special Emotional Stress of MS: In addition to the emotional stresses that apply to anyone with a chronic illness, there are some characteristics of MS that create special emotional burdens. They include: Lack of a definite diagnosis; The unpredictability factor; The invisible symptom factor; making decisions about treatment.
Emotions and Your Family: The person with MS is not the only person in the family and circle of friends who must adjust to a changed situation. Family therapy can provide useful strategies for understanding and coping with emotional responses.
What you can do: Here are some points that contribute to successful living with MS:
Relax - Taming Stress in Multiple Sclerosis; Managing Anger; Meditation Primer; Sleep Disorders and MS.
Find an exercise regimen that's right for you - Exercise as Part of Everyday Life; Aquatics; Tai Chi; Yoga; MS and Mobility.
Get a doctor with whom you feel comfortable - Choosing the right health care provider; MS Treatment Locations.
Connect with others and express yourself - Join a self-help group; Read stories other people living the MS; Write it down; Contact your chapter about art programs. Read more on how to live successfully with MS.
Current Funded Research:
"Early detection of neuropsychological and psychiatric symptom in multiple sclerosis." (Laura J. Julian, PhD), Determining the presence of cognitive and emotional symptoms early in the course of MS, to improve their detection and treatment.
"Mindfulness-based stress management for people with MS and their caregivers." (Michael J. Bairne, MD). Examining the effects of stress reduction strategies in people with MS and their caregivers.
"Mood dysfunction in MS: immunologic correlation and immunotherapy." (Toni M. Bauman, MD) Receiving training on the proper ways to conduct clinical treatment trials in MS.
"Older individuals with MS: factors related to adjustment" (Terry Dolorenzo PhD). Investigating the impact of aging on quality of life in individuals with MS.
BEATING THE HEAT
MS Lifelines Newsletter June 2004
The dog days of summer can be difficult for people with MS, but it's not like you can just hibernate through July and August. According to some studies, 80% to 85% of people with MS are overly sensitive to heat. Even mild overheating may cause a temporary worsening of existing symptoms or the reappearance of symptoms experienced in the past. The most common symptoms related to heat include blurred vision, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
These temporary symptoms may be caused by a slight rise in the body's core temperature (as little as 0.25 F), because damaged nerves function less efficiently at higher temperatures. In fact, heat tends to make everyone's nerves work less effectively. This is why applying heat to an injury can help relieve the pain. Raising the temperature of the injured area reduces the ability of nerve fibers to send their messages. When a person has MS the movement of nerve impulses is already impaired, so heat's effect on the central nervous system is much stronger.
There are three things to keep in mind with regard to heat and its effect on people with MS:
*Symptoms caused by heat are temporary and do not necessarily signal an attack or exacerbation.
*Heat exposer does not cause further nerve damage.
*Symptoms caused by heat tend to go away once you cool down (usually in half an hour).
But while heat symptoms shouldn't worry you, it is important to take extra care when they occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor if these symptoms persist longer than an hour.
Three ways to keep you cool: When it comes to coping with the heat, there are three general approaches MS specialists recommend:
*Adapting your lifestyle to avid very hot situations.
*Maintaining hydration so your body can regulate temperature.
*Using external mechanisms for cooling.
Adapting your lifestyle - this can be as simple as avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Try and schedule your outdoor activities before 10 am or after 4 pm. And stay out of the direct sun. If you must be in the sun, bring an umbrella to provide your own portable shade, and wear a wide-brimmed, well-ventilated hat. Swimming is a great activity for keeping cool if you have to be outside. And it might be a good replacement for other activities you enjoy - such as walking and biking - that you just don't tolerate as well in the heat.
Perhaps the most obvious change you can make during the hottest hours of the day is allowing yourself an air-conditioned "siesta". Have a leisurely lunch, take a nap, read a good book. Or go to the movies! In the summertime most theaters are air conditioned to a satisfying chill.
Maintaining hydration - It is extremely important to drink fluids when it's hot because the body loses fluid through perspiration and evaporation. Carry bottled water with you all the time and drink it regularly. Some doctors advise people to drink fluids with some sodium in them, such as sport drinks. These drinks provide more of what your body needs to cope with heat.
Many patients make the mistake of cutting back on fluids before they go out, to accommodate their bladder. But it's much better to deal with bladder issues directly by planning trips to the bathroom or using medications as directed by your doctor, rather than by cutting fluids. Decreasing fluids not only reduces the body's tolerance of heat, it increases the risk of bladder infection, too. Be sure to ask your doctor about maintaining hydration and managing bladder issues, as there may be specific recommendations just for you.
Using external mechanisms for cooling - even if you reduce your exposure to heat and maintain hydration, there will be times when the heat is unavoidable. What then? Many people wear a hat or bandanna soaked in cold water containing ice chips. Others get relief by spritzing themselves with a water spray bottle, sucking on ice chips, or putting a wet towel around their neck when they have to be out in the midday sun.
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