Peyton Manning and Stem Cell Therapy
It came to light the weekend of September 17-18, 2011, that Indianapolis Colt’s quarterback, Peyton Manning had traveled to Europe for stem cell therapy. The stem cell therapy was to help treat the bulging disc in Manning’s neck, which three previous surgeries have failed to repair. Apparently the therapy did not help.
An ABC News blog report on Manning’s stem cell treatment in Europe raises several issues: Manning’s actions, as a role model, in seeking an unproven treatment overseas, and the validity of the treatment itself.
Manning is quoted as saying “that I am doing everything I can to get my health back.” As a role model, Manning (or any other role model) does need to be cognizant of his actions. But does he not have the same rights as anyone else to live his life to the fullest? It just so happens he has the means and motivation to pursue all options. “Winners never quit” is not a bad message for him to send.
Regarding stem cell therapy for vertebral disc conditions. While the therapy did not work for Manning, and is not FDA approved, that does not mean there are not antidotal success stories of stem cell use with other orthopedic problems. The recent stories of NY Yankee’s pitcher Bartolo Colon and New England Patriot’s Jarvis Green, each returning to the game after stem cell therapy, or the myriad of success stories of professional athletes receiving platelet-rich plasma (another therapy not FDA approved), while antidotal, should not be ignored. While we do not condone all off-shore stem cell therapies, there is growing antidotal evidence that stem cell therapy seems to help in many musculoskeletal injuries.
What if Manning had sustained a much more serious spinal cord injury instead of a bulging disc injury? Would the same physicians criticize him for going to Europe for stem cell therapy? Put yourself in Manning’s cleats – What would you do if you were paralyzed? Would you go to Europe for stem cell therapy if there were a possibility it would help?
In the news blog, Manning was criticized for not enrolling in a clinical trial researching the therapy. In fact, the first human embryonic stem cell trial is now underway in the United States, evaluating the safety of embryonic stem cell therapy in humans suffering from acute spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, Manning would not meet the criteria for inclusion in this study. One of my patients is a collegiate football player who sustained a career and life-altering cervical spinal cord injury; he as well does not meet the criteria for the trial and as a result of his lack of resources is not able to go to Europe.
Perhaps, judgment should be put in the context of the individual. The unfortunate reality that has evaded some professors is the evolving emergence of regenerative medicine, which may not be readily embraced by the insurance industry, is changing the health care environment.
This will result in a paradigm for the future, a future not so far away. The concept of a dedicated, outstanding athlete trying to recover would be viewed in a different vein had the injury been perceived as more catastrophic, and worse when the harsh reality emerges that the future of medicine may bring inequality as well.
When this is considered, casting a stone at Peyton Manning becomes a more weighty measure.
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and not for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern or issue, please consult with your physician.