Rush Researchers Use Stem Cells to Repair Damaged Knee Cartilage
Rush University is conducting the first clinical trial using Cartistem.
Cartistem is a Mesenchymal stem cell derived umbilical cord blood (allogenic or donor) tissue that has been expanded to greater numbers. The stem cells are then mixed with hyaluronan, then surgically administered via arthroscopic surgery following microfracture (a drilling into the bone technique that involves considerable downtime).
This study will be a two-year, two-phase study with 12 participants ages 18 and older with body mass index less than 35.
Dennis M. Lox, MD,, a Sports and Regenerative Medicine Specialist in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, comments that this is not the first study to use allogenic or donor stem cells. Studies prior to the Rush one have used adult cells. Dr. Lox notes that when cells are cultured and expanded to greater the cell division of obtaining greater numbers the cells age significantly. This will make the umbilical cord cells the age of a young adult, as opposed to adult cells that age to elderly cells.
Dr. Lox states this may not fix some of the other problems associated with expanding stem cells. This study with umbilical cord cells, even if ever approved, will be years away, and may ultimately prove to not be as effective as using the patients own cells without expansion in a lab. Another problem arises in the form of a question: what about future diseases for which umbilical cord stem cells carry an undetectable gene? These would include diseases that develop in adult life like MS, ALS, autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis or even cancer.
There are unknowns to using donor tissue that could not be answered then for 20-30 years. For now its safer to use your on stem cells and treat early Dr. Lox comments. Arthritis is a progressive joint issue that if treated early the prospects of progression can be addressed.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, serves patients in the greater Tampa Bay area, including, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Orlando and Spring Hill. He has been pleased to accommodate the needs of patients throughout Florida, the United States, the Western Hemisphere, and Europe, as well. Located in the 33765 area, our office can be reached at (727) 462-5582.
