Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This neurodegenerative condition affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. The condition results in miscommunication between the nervous system and muscles. Patients with ALS experience a wide range of symptoms associated with motor function.
There is no known cure for this condition. Because of this, researchers are exploring innovative treatments for this illness. Many patients have explored the approach of using regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Beyond treatments, these therapies are also influencing ALS research.
Treating ALS with Stem Cell Therapy
Many medical care providers are rethinking their approach to ALS treatments. Rather than focusing on fighting disease, these specialists hope to encourage the body’s natural healing processes.
Even experts from the esteemed Mayo Clinic are exploring stem cell therapies as a treatment for ALS. Medical specialists cultivate mesenchymal stem cells from fat tissue (adipose). These simple cells contain growth factors. Because of this, they have the potential to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
Mesenchymal stem cells include anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers believe that is the reason why they are useful in treating ALS.
Promising Results from Phase 1 Studies
Some evidence suggests stem cell therapies protect nerve cells. These treatments may sometimes slow the progression of ALS.
A phase 1 clinical trial run by the Mayo Clinic confirms that mesenchymal stem cell treatments are safe. Researchers are planning more clinical trials. They hope to discover the extent of therapeutic benefits that stem cells offer. Current evidence suggests that patients who received stem cell treatments early experienced the best outcomes. Additionally, they may slow the progression of symptoms in some patients.
Learning More with Further Research
The Mayo clinic is conducting further research on the benefits of stem cells. They are using larger study groups. Upcoming trials will last longer than previous ones. The researchers overseeing these trials hope to discover answers to the following questions:
- Why do different ALS patients experience different responses?
- What role do genetics play in stem cell therapy effectiveness?
- Do stem cell injections help boost the immune system response?
- How does the patient’s environment affect their outcome?
Medical researchers at the Mayo Clinic are optimistic that upcoming phase 2 trials will provide useful evidence.
Many ALS patients report positive outcomes from innovative stem cell therapies. As more evidence becomes available, researchers will be able to report results as to how stem cell therapies may help ease symptoms of ALS and slow the progression of this condition.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for ALS, also known as Stem cell treatment for ALS. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
