Precision StemCell – StemCell Procedures – ALS Treatment

ALS Treatment

Frank Orgel - Former Auburn Coach

QUOTE FROM ARTICLE: One of the ALS patients, former NFL football player and college coach Frank Orgel, recently underwent a new stem cell reprogramming technique performed by Dr. Jason R. Williams at Precision StemCell in Gulf Shores. Before the injections, Orgel's health had declined. He could not move his left armor leg. He couldn't walk or stand on his own, he said.

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS are very devastating and have little treatment options. In early 2012 we were approached to treat Frank Orgel, a patient diagnosed with ALS. There had been only limited work with the use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of conditions such as ALS. The initial concern was that neural conditions would need neural stem cells. Neural stem cells can be difficult to obtain. This led us to use a new technique involving reprogramming of the stem cells. We first treated Frank, unsure if he would receive any benefits. To our surprise, he began getting movement in his leg and his fasciculations significantly improved. This seemed like a big step in ALS therapy. We have since treated several other patients, with most seeing modest improvement in their condition. This is certainly not a cure, but it has led us in the direction to improve treatment for ALS. We believe this same technique may translate into therapy for other conditions such as Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis. Please see our research section for further insight into the therapies being developed for neurodegenerative diseases.

For many years it has been theorized that stem cells may hold the answer to treating nerve and cord injuries, resulting in paralysis. We felt that neural reprogramming of mesenchymal stem cells could increase the number of stem cells that can be delivered and improve the chances of obtaining a positive response. We have limited experience with the treatment of 2 patients with spinal cord injury resulting in slight gain in movement. These cases are still early and nerves take a long time to regrow. This is a good initial start and hopefully this therapy can develop enough to allow these patients to gain enough use to improve their overall function.

Precision StemCell has partnered with Neuralgene to perform studies to evaluate PRCN-829 which is a gene therapy designed to inhibit the attack of Complement and reduce toxic build up of proteins such as TDP-43.

Stem cells repair and replenish cells within our body. The problem is that as we age or get injuries, there may not be enough stem cells in the area to adequately repair or regenerate. Precision StemCell procedures take care of that problem by removing a large store of stem cells and placing them in the location where they are needed. The stem cell procedure involves harvesting stem cells that are located within fat tissue.

The fat is removed with a minimally invasive liposuction procedure. The fat is then processed to separate the stem cells. In addition, some blood is taken from a vein in the patients arm to obtain platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP contains growth factors, which help stimulate the growth of the stem cells. PRP is mixed with the stem cells prior to injection. These stem cells are then injected back into the body at the point of injury the same day. Tens of millions of stem cells are delivered to the injured area, more than your body could ever deliver on its own.

Precision StemCell is different from many other same-day stem cell procedures because the stem cells injected under precise image guidance such as CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound.

There are many medical conditions, which are only visible on MRI. This is why an MRI is needed to diagnose many orthopedic conditions. To inject stem cells into injuries only visible by MRI, you need MRI guidance to place them in the appropriate location. We have a large bore 3 Tesla MRI which allow us to use MRI guidance when needed.

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Precision StemCell - StemCell Procedures - ALS Treatment