An application by the Spinal Cord Society has been approved by the New Zealand Health Ministry’s ethics committee, paving the way for a new clinical trial which will initially involve 12 patients. The study, which is under the auspice of Otogo University, will begin trials using olfactory (sense receptor) cells from the study participants’ own noses. The cells will be harvested and then injected into the patients’ damaged spinal cords. Several research groups have performed similar studies in animals, but only one human trial has been attempted, in Portugal in 2006. Upon final approval, the trials will begin in 2009.
Source: Spinal Cord Injuries Could Soon Be Repaired Using Nose Cells from ANI
As reported by Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Times, patients from the US are flocking to overseas clinics in faraway countries such as Russia and China to obtain costly stem cell treatments. In these countries, stem cell research and treatment is not regulated as it is in the US. Critics voice concern about the lack of evidence that such treatments are of benefit to patients, who may pay as much as $12,000.00 per treatment. Patients, many of whom have suffered paralysis, feel that these treatments should be available in their home country.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008369355_moscowstemcells090.phpl
Researchers have been able to show that manipulating stem cells prior to transplantation may be the breakthrough that scientists have been looking for to overcome an important obstacle in using stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. Manipulating stem cells may be a way to reduce transplant-induced pain syndromes.
“It has long been a concern that therapies that promote growth of nerve fibres in the injured spinal cord would also cause sprouting in pain circuits” (Mark Noble, Rochester). The study has shown that cells called astrocytes can be used to treat spinal cord injuries without causing pain.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080918192939.php
“Key Advance in Treating Spinal Cord Injuries Found in Manipulating Stem Cells”
Science Daily Sep 19,2008
Potential New Technology for Spinal Cord Injury
Damaged nerve fibres are unable to grow again following spinal cord injury due to scar tissue that forms around the injury.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gel which inhibits scar tissue from forming and allows spinal cord-injured fibres to regenerate and grow. Trials on mice have shown that after six weeks, the animals injected with the gel had increased ability to use their hind legs and walk.
Researchers are working on developing the gel to the point where it can be trialled on humans. Clinical trials could begin in several years.
Source: Northwestern University (2008, April 4). Promising New Nanotechnology for Spinal Cord Injury. Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402114819.php
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