ANOTHER Possible Stem Cell Treatment
The Disability Scoop reports on a major trial that, if the doctors theories are correct, could end up being yet another stem cell cure -and as usual it is not from embryonic stem cells.....
Researchers are set to begin the first federally-approved clinical trial on the effectiveness of stem cells from stored umbilical cords in treating symptoms of cerebral palsy.
In select cases, doctors are already using stem cells from umbilical cord blood to improve mobility in children with cerebral palsy, which has shown success anecdotally. But the research set to be conducted at the Medical College of Georgia will be the first clinical trial approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The study will focus on 40 children with cerebral palsy ages 2 to 12 whose umbilical cords were stored at an Arizona stem cell bank at birth. Half of the study participants will be infused with stem cells from their own umbilical cord and half will receive a placebo.
Scientists believe that stem cells can help repair injured brain cells and replace dead cells.
Doctors will examine the children three months into the study, when significant improvement is expected. At that point, patients who received the placebo will be infused with stem cells.
Then at the six and nine month marks, doctors will reexamine all of the patients as well.
This trial will interesting to follow because if it proves out to be correct it will help validate the claims of those who are opposed to hESC research. After all, if the cord blood can be better used, why experiment on the embryos?
Cross posted at Ladies Logic where your comments are welcome
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