Category Archives: Virginia Stem Cells

Stem Cells

Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to rebuild and regenerate joint damage in the body including damage from osteoarthritis. The foundation cells for every organ and tissue in the body, stem cells continue to self-renew throughout your lifetime.

The procedure is done in the G2 office with no hospitalization and minimal downtime.

The Arthrex Angel System is a proprietary system used to concentrate bone marrow that allows customization of platelet and white blood cell concentrations.

Non-surgical conditions such as tendonitis, small rotator cuff tears, ligament sprains, plantar fasciitis are expected to heal with reduction of symptoms by 75% within 8 weeks. Those with less severe tissue damage will heal faster. Patients that do not experience a 75% improvement at 8 weeks may require a PRP injection to reactivate the healing response.

Patients with arthritis and chondromalacia are also expected to have 75% symptom reduction by 8 weeks. There have been some reports that the x-rays can actually show improvement but this can take up to a year.

While extremely beneficial to patients, relatively few orthopedic surgeons offer stem cell injections. Many people travel to large cities like Miami or New York for the treatment and can expect to pay $7,500 or more, not including the cost of the travel. In Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Goradia and Dr. Budny with G2 offer stem cell injections for less than half the cost.

Insurance plans dont cover the cost of stem cell injections, but patients can use FSA funds for full payment. Do to the cost of the supplies needed for these injections, full payment is required at the time of surgery.

Stem cells were used to help her rotator cuff heal

We are a small, specialized orthopedic practice in Richmond, VA that provides Advanced Orthopedic Treatment Options, Excellent Results, Personalized Care and Convenient Appointments.

Dr. Vic Goradia is fellowship trained in sports medicine, minimally invasive surgery and knee & shoulder reconstructive surgery. He began practicing in Richmond in 2001 and has extensive experience.

Dr. Jake Budny is fellowship training in joint replacement surgery with a special interest in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement, knee replacement and complex, revision joint replacement.

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Stem cell treatment has actually become a popular dispute in the global medical scene. This extremely controversial treatment has gotten mixed opinions from different stakeholders in the health care market and has likewise drawn in the attention of politicians, religious leaders and the basic population at large. Stem cell therapy is thought about a revolutionary treatment for individuals struggling with a wide variety of degenerative conditions. Some common concerns regarding this therapy are addressed below.

Are you a stem cell therapy provider near Virginia Beach VA 23460? Contact us for more information about joining our website.

Stem cells can be described as blank state or non-specialized cells that have the ability to become specific cells in the body such as bone, muscle, nerve or organ cells. This indicates that these unique cells can be utilized to regenerate or develop a wide variety of broken cells and tissues in the body. Stem cell therapy is for that reason a treatment that targets at accomplishing tissue regrowth and can be used to treat health conditions and diseases such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc illness, spinal cord injury, muscular degeneration, motor nerve cell illness, ALS, Parkinsons, heart problem and much more.

Being a treatment that is still under research, stem cell treatment has not been completely accepted as a feasible treatment choice for the above pointed out health conditions and diseases. A lot of research is presently being carried out by researchers and medical experts in different parts of the world to make this treatment feasible and effective. There are nevertheless different limitations enforced by federal governments on research study including embryonic stem cells.

Currently, there have not been lots of case studies performed for this form of treatment. Nevertheless, with the few case studies that have been conducted, among the significant issues that has been raised is the boost in a patients threat of developing cancer. Cancer is brought on by the rapid multiplication of cells that have a tendency not to pass away so quickly. Stem cells have been connected with comparable growth elements that might lead to formation of growths and other malignant cells in clients.

Contact us for more information about stem cell doctor in Virginia Beach VA 23460

Stem cells can be extracted from a young embryo after conception. These stem cells are typically referred to as embryonic stem cells. After the stem cells are extracted from the embryo, the embryo is terminated. This is essentially one of the major causes of controversy in the field of stem cell research study. Lots of people say that termination of an embryo is unethical and undesirable.

Stem cells can still be acquired through other methods as they can be found in the blood, bone marrow and umbilical cords of adult people. Regular body cells can likewise be reverse-engineered to become stem cells that have actually limited capabilities.

New research study has actually however shown guarantee as researchers focus on developing stem cells that do not form into growths in later treatment phases. These stem cells can for that reason effectively transform into other types of specialized cells. This treatment is for that reason worth investigating into as numerous clients can take advantage of this innovative treatment.

Find a stem cell therapy in Virginia Beach VA 23460

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Main address:Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23460

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Virginia Beach VA 23460 - National Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell treatment has ended up being a popular dispute in the worldwide medical scene. This extremely questionable treatment has actually received mixed opinions from different stakeholders in the health care industry and has actually likewise brought in the attention of political leaders, religious leaders and the general population at large. Stem cell therapy is considered an advanced treatment for people dealing with a wide variety of degenerative conditions. Some common concerns concerning this treatment are addressed below.

Are you a stem cell therapy specialist close to Richmond VA 23230? Contact us for more information about joining our website.

Stem cells can be described as blank state or non-specialized cells that have the capability to become customized cells in the body such as bone, muscle, nerve or organ cells. This implies that these unique cells can be utilized to regenerate or establish a large range of damaged cells and tissues in the body. Stem cell therapy is for that reason a treatment that focuses on accomplishing tissue regeneration and can be used to cure health conditions and health problems such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injury, muscular degeneration, motor nerve cell illness, ALS, Parkinsons, heart disease and much more.

Being a treatment that is still under studio, stem cell treatment has not been totally accepted as a viable treatment alternative for the above discussed health conditions and diseases. A great deal of research is presently being performed by scientists and medical specialists in different parts of the world to make this treatment feasible and effective. There are however various limitations imposed by federal governments on studio involving embryonic stem cells.

Presently, there have not been numerous case studies performed for this form of treatment. Nevertheless, with the few case studies that have actually been carried out, one of the major concerns that has actually been raised is the boost in a patients danger of establishing cancer. Cancer is brought on by the rapid reproduction of cells that tend not to pass away so quickly. Stem cells have been connected with similar growth aspects that may lead to formation of growths and other malignant cells in patients.

Contact us for more information about stem cell doctor in Richmond VA 23230

Stem cells can be drawn out from a young embryo after conception. These stem cells are frequently described as embryonic stem cells. After the stem cells are extracted from the embryo, the embryo is terminated. This is generally among the major reasons for debate in the field of stem cell research. Many individuals say that termination of an embryo is unethical and unacceptable.

Stem cells can still be gotten through other methods as they can be found in the blood, bone marrow and umbilical cables of adult humans. Normal body cells can likewise be reverse-engineered to become stem cells that have actually limited capabilities.

New research has actually nevertheless revealed guarantee as scientists aim at developing stem cells that do not form into tumors in later treatment phases. These stem cells can therefore effectively transform into other types of specialized cells. This therapy is for that reason worth investigating into as numerous clients can take advantage of this revolutionary treatment.

The best stem cell doctor near Richmond VA 23230

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Main address:Richmond, Virginia, 23230

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Stem Cell Richmond Virginia 23230

Virginia Oncology Associates autologous stem cell transplant program is only one of three in the state of Virginia and 135 nationally. Sanctioned through the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), the program adheres to the most stringent clinical standards. FACT accreditation is the gold standard insurance companies often demand. It is the benchmark for quality care.

A stem cell transplant, sometimes called a bone marrow transplant, is a procedure that restores blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow. This is necessary when a patient has had their bone marrow damaged by cancer or by cancer treatment. Blood-forming stem cells are important because they grow into different types of blood cells. The main types of blood cells are white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. You need all three types of blood cells to be healthy.

Stem cell transplants are used most commonly for patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and some lymphomas. In cancers such as these, high doses of chemo (sometimes in combination with radiation), are administered with the intent of killing the stem cells. This stops the process of making new blood cells and the cells required for your immune system. Once the treatment is complete, the patient will receive a transplant of stem cells from a donor. The cells are administered through the blood and then move to the marrow where they can begin their work of regenerating the necessary blood and immune cells.

Over time, the stem cells that have settled in the bone marrow begin to grow and make blood cells that are healthy. This process is called engraftment.

The blood-forming stem cells that are used in transplants can come from the bone marrow, bloodstream, or umbilical cord.

There are two main types of transplants, which are named based of who gives the stem cells:

If you have an identical twin, you may receive a less common type of transplant, called a syngeneic transplant. In this transplant, the stem cells are taken from your twin as long as you both have identical genetic makeup and tissue type.

The goal of an autologous stem cell transplant is to restore the bodys ability to make normal blood cells after receiving high-dose chemotherapy or radiation treatment. In this procedure, your own stem cells are harvested (removed) from your bone marrow or your blood before you get treatment that would destroy them. Once your stem cells are removed, they are frozen (cryopreservation). After you receive your chemo treatment, the stems cells are thawed and given back to you.

One big advantage of this type of transplant is that youre getting your own cells back. This means you arent at risk for graft versus host disease -- a medical complication where new stem cells (called the graft) attack your body. However, there can still be graft failure, which means the cells dont make blood cells as they should because they havent reached the bone marrow. Additionally, this type of transplant doesnt offer the benefits of graft versus tumor (GVL) effect, which is when healthy donor cells attack cancer cells.

There are also some adverse side effects to autologous stem cell transplantation, which are mostly a result of the high-intensity conditioning therapy. These effects may include:

Autologous stem cell transplants are mainly used to treat certain leukemias, Hodgkins disease, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. In some cases, it is used for testicular cancer, neuroblastoma, and certain childhood cancers.

VOA uses autologous stem cell transplants.

People have different sets of proteins, called human leukocyte-associated (HLA) antigens, on the surface of their cells. The set of proteins, called the HLA type, is identified by a special blood test.

When a donor will be the source of stem cells for a cancer patient, the oncologist will aim to match the patients own stem cells as closely as possible. This can help minimize side effects.

In most cases, the success of allogeneic transplantation depends in part on how well the HLA antigens of the donors stem cells match those of the recipients stem cells. The higher the number of matching HLA antigens, the lesser the chance the patient will reject the stem cells.

Instead of working against cancer directly, stem cell transplants help you recover your bodys own ability to produce stem cells after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

With that said, stem cell transplants may work against cancer directly in patients with multiple myeloma and some types of leukemia. For example, a stem cell transplant where stem cells come from another person can also help treat certain types of cancer in a way other than just replacing stem cells. Cells that are donated can often find and kill cancer cells better than the immune cells of the person who had the cancer ever could. This is called the graft-versus-tumor (GvT) or graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, which simply means that certain kinds of transplants actually help fight the cancer cells, rather than just providing normal blood cells.

Although some patients could benefit from stem cell transplants, they are typically only used when all other first-line treatments have failed.

Even though stem cell transplants have been successful for many people, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. Your cancer care team should talk with you about the risks and potential benefits. They may also discuss other methods of treatment available, including clinical trials. Various factors, including your age, stage of the cancer, donor type, and overall health are all part of the decision-making process.

As with all other types of medical treatment, the final decision is yours regarding whether or not to move forward with a stem cell transplant.

Through stem cell therapy research, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are leading to an encouraging outlook on the future treatment of patients who have been diagnosed with germ cell tumors as well.

Germ cell tumors are growths that form from reproductive cells. They arise in the ovaries (in girls) and the testes (in boys). They can also sometimes occur in other areas of the body, such as the lower back (common in infancy), the abdomen, the chest, and within the brain.

Germ cell tumors may be cancerous or noncancerous. In most cases, cancerous germ cell tumors occur as testicular cancer or ovarian cancer.

If a stem cell transplant has been recommended for you, be sure to take time to have your questions answered. If you would like a second opinion on a recommended cancer treatment plan, please contact the VOA office closest to you.

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Stem Cell Transplantation at Virginia Oncology Associates

The restorative properties of stem cells:

Stem cells are unique because they drive the natural healing process throughout your life. Stem cells are different from other cells in the body because they regenerate and produce specialized cell types. They heal and restore skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, nerves and other tissues when injured.

As a result, amazing new medical treatments are being developed to treat a range of diseases contemporary medicine currently deems difficult or impossible to treat. Among them are:

While stem cells can be found in most tissues of the body, they are usually buried deep, are few in number and are similar in appearance to surrounding cells. With the discovery of stem cells in teeth, an accessible and available source of stem cells has been identified.

The tooth is natures safe for these valuable stem cells, and there is an abundance of these cells in baby teeth, wisdom teeth and permanent teeth. The stem cells contained within teeth are capable of replicating themselves and can be readily recovered at the time of a planned dental procedure. Living stem cells found within extracted teeth were routinely discarded every day, but now, with the knowledge from recent medical research, your Doctor provides you the opportunity to save these cells for future use in developing medical treatments for your family.

Aside from being the most convenient stem cells to access, dental stem cells have significant medical benefits in the development of new medical therapies. Using ones own stem cells for medical treatment means a much lower risk of rejection by the body and decreases the need for powerful drugs that weaken the immune system, both of which are negative but typical realities that come into play when tissues or cells from a donor are used to treat patients.

Further, the stem cells from teeth have been observed in research studies to be among the most powerful stem cells in the human body. Stem cells from teeth replicate at a faster rate and for a longer period of time than do stem cells harvested from other tissues of the body.

Stem cells in the human body age over time and their regenerative abilities slow down later in life. The earlier in life that your familys stem cells are secured, the more valuable they will be when they are needed most.

Accessible The stem cells contained within teeth are recovered at the time of a planned procedure: Extraction of wisdom teeth, baby teeth or other healthy permanent teeth.

Affordable when compared with other methods of acquiring and preserving life saving stem cells: Peripheral blood, Bone Marrow, Cord blood etc, recovering Stem Cells from teeth is the most affordable and least invasive.

Convenience the recovery of stem cells from teeth can be performed in the doctors office anytime when a healthy tooth is being extracted.

Ease of Use The recovery of stem cells from teeth does not add any additional time on to a planned procedure. Your doctor does not require any additional equipment or training.

Healthy dental pulp contains stem cells that are among the most powerful stem cells in the body and replicate at a faster rate and for a longer period of time than other types of stem cells.Stem cells from teeth show great promise for future regenerative medical treatments of neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, diabetes, bone diseases and brain and nerve injuries.

Any extracted tooth with a healthy pulp contains stem cells. Wisdom teeth, baby teeth and other permanent teeth i.e. healthy teeth that are fractured and teeth recommended for extraction for orthodontic purposes are all candidates for stem cell recovery and cryopreservation.

Age does not seem to play a major factor. All extracted healthy teeth contain stem cells. The younger you are then the younger the cells and these may be more beneficial in future regenerative therapies.

Diseases of different severity or tissue defects of different size will undoubtedly require different amounts of stem cells to heal. Conceptually, the more teeth are banked, the greater the potential for sufficient stem cells to treat various diseases.

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Painful discs in the neck or low back are common causes of severe back pain and disability. Historically, therapies did not exist to regenerate the degenerative process in a vertebral disc, often leaving surgical intervention as the only option if other non-operative treatment options have failed. In selected patients, we now have hopes of better ways to treat spinal disease. Regenerative therapies for the spine are the future for spinal treatments. We are excited to offer innovative techniques as new and improved ways to try to heal spinal problems without having to undergo surgery. Regenerative therapy options hold wonderful healing potential and represent the future of modern medicine.

In the United States alone, more than 400,000 lumbar discectomies and 500,000 spinal fusions are performed each year for symptoms related to lumbar disc degeneration. The ability to get these to heal without surgery has been a long-term goal of many patients and physicians alike.At Virginia Spine Institute, we are working to promote healing without surgery. Virginia Spine Institute continues to be on the forefront of treatment options and is proud to offer stem cell therapy treatments for patients as part of ourcomprehensive non-operative treatment options.

We obtain a patients own stem cells by aspirating tissue from the patient's hip bone or from their fat cells. These cells are centrifuged down to identify and separate specific primitive cells that will help heal tissues. Stem cells are theninjected into the disc, stimulating healing of the disc by using these primitive blood cells to stimulate regeneration of the collagen within the disc. We are excited to report improvements in our patients treated with stem cells.

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What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become specialized types of cells. Stem cells can be categorized as embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells.Embryonic stem cells are derived from a human fetus; there are many ethical concerns with embryonic stem cells, and these are not used in our practice.

Adult stem cells are derived from adults, sometimes obtained from your very own body! Adult stem cells are further divided into different categories. For example, the types of adult stem cells we use to treat musculoskeletal issues are known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These are multi-potent cells that can differentiate into bone cells, cartilage cells, or fat cells. Its important to note that they cannot differentiate into any other type of cell.

The human body has multiple storage sites for stem cells to repair degenerated and injured structures. We have found that obtaining stem cells from the hip bone (iliac bone) is easily performed within minutes and, in most cases, is a fairly painless procedure for the patient. The stem cells are obtained from your own bone marrow; just minutes later, they are used for treatment.

This procedure is done in our office and starts with the patient lying face down on the examination table. The skin is first numbed with a novocaine solution. After that, the cortex of the hip bone (iliac bone) is numbed. Next, under x-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance, a special needle is advanced through the bone to the cortex of your hip bone into the bone marrow. The liquid marrow - which contains the stem cells - is then withdrawn into a syringe. Finally, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed where the needle was inserted.

After the procedure, the syringe of stem cells is taken to the lab and placed in a specialized machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the bone marrow solution and stem cells are separated from the non-useful cells. The concentrated stem cells are then transferred to a new syringe. Now, the stem cells are ready for the treatment.

Not all patients will be a candidate for these disc regeneration procedures. For those whom are ideal candidates, this provides great hope with reduction in pain and improved quality of life without the need for major surgery. We are excited about these great advances in health care and look forward to helping you live pain free.

Stem cell injections are most commonly used for treatment of the following conditions:

The area of injury is first identified using ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The area is then sterilized, and the skin above the area is numbed with a novocaine-type solution. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the needle is guided to the area of injury, and the stem cell solution is injected. All the regenerative injections performed at our practice are performed under image guidance with ultrasound or fluoroscopy to confirm accurate placement of the stem cells.

The risks depend on the area being treated; however, there is always a potential risk of an injection causing infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. It is important to note that there is no risk of allergic reaction since you are using your own stem cells. At Virginia Spine Institute we always recommended the safest and most efficient procedures for our patients, however, your physician will review any possible risks associated with this treatment prior to administering.

The benefit is usually seen approximately two to three months after the whole treatment protocol has completed; however, you may start to notice the benefit sooner than this.

In most cases, patients respond very well to just one treatment; however, the patient may require two to three injections. We never perform more than three injections within a span of 12 months.

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Stem Cell Therapy - Virginia Spine Institute

If youve been told that surgery was the only option to relieve your joint pain, you may considerStem Cell Therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapyoffered by Dr. Nordt in Richmond, Virginia.

It is said that every pain has a story.Your situation and your pain are unique. Accordingly, you should expect treatment that is tailored specifically for you. Although Stem Cell and PRP Injection Therapy isnt for everyone, if youre suffering from acute or chronic pain in your knees, shoulders or hips, you may want to investigate these new fields of regenerative therapy.

These treatments use your bodys own repair mechanism and growth factors to promote healing.Stem cell therapy can be used to address various knee conditions.Many research laboratories are applying stem cell therapy to painful joint conditions.In theory, these cells can replicate, regenerate and restore healthy cellular tissue in areas of delayed or failed healing.

Stem Cell Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that can be used to treat the pain and symptoms associated with a damaged joint. Pain from joint injury and deterioration is the result of multiple factors, including tissue damage, edema, and inflammation. Whenever possible, efforts to promote natural healing should be utilized. In those instances that ones own healing mechanism is inadequate, measures to jump-start the process may be indicated.

Stem cells are precursor cells and possess the capacity to transform into multiple tissue types. Stem cells are thought to have the potential to stimulate new growth and repair connective tissue. These cells enhance the bodys natural ability to heal itself, either through cell-to-cell mediation or genetic upregulation and matrix production.

Stem cells are either syringe- injected or surgically implanted into a joint to promote healing of the damaged ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

It should be noted that stem cells are still considered experimental in many orthopedic applications. Small or lesser degrees of tissue damage is more likely to benefit from any biological intervention. Stem cells may impart a mechanism to control inflammation, and in that event, can be helpful in any joint condition in which inflammation is a factor.

We are still in the process of understating just which conditions are most amenable to stem cell treatment. It is expected that over time, the indications and processes of stem cell injections will broaden.

Stem cells can be harvested from ones own bone marrow with a needle, known as a bone marrow aspiration or BMA. This can be performed under local or general anesthesia or with sedation. The bone marrow aspiration may be part of a larger surgery or a stand-alone procedure.

Stem cells can also be sourced from laboratories which are commercially prepared. Many commercial preparations are from the amniotic fluid of healthy newborns. They are delivered frozen and injected with a syringe.

Dr. Nordt is considered to be one of Richmonds leading providers of Stem Cell Therapy to be used in the treatment of degenerative various knee and shoulder disorders. To learn more about Stem Cell Therapy, contact Dr. Nordt s staff for more information.

Platelets are small discs that are derived from the fragmentation of precursor megakaryocytes. They play an important role in hemostasis and are a natural source of growth factors. Platelets are one of the key factors in forming blood clots and helping wounds heal.

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is blood plasma with concentrated amounts of platelets and other growth factors. The high levels of platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signaling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration.

To create Platelet Rich Plasma, a small amount of blood is taken from the patients arm. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun and the platelets are separated from the rest of the blood components. This takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500%.

The specially prepared platelets are taken and reinjected into and around the point of injury. At this point in the process, the platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing. By injecting injured areas with concentrated platelets, we can increase the growth factors up to five times which promotes temporary relief, is thought to promote overall healing, and stop any inflammation at the site of the injury.

PRP injection is a treatment option for various orthopedic injuries and conditions, which have traditionally required surgery or other extensive treatments. PRP injections are being utilized with increasing frequency and effectiveness in the field of orthopedic medicine.

Some common injuries that are treated with PRP injections include:

PRP injections are a fairly quick procedure that consists of drawing the blood to create Platelet Rich Plasma, preparing the PRP in the centrifuge, and then injecting the PRP into the affected area. The whole process is fairly quick and doesnt require anesthesia. This is a highly effective treatment that can be used to avoid intrusive joint surgery that would require a much longer period of rehabilitation.

Dr. Nordt is one or Richmonds leading providers of PRP Injection Therapy for the use of alleviating muscle and joint pain related to various orthopedic injuries and conditions. To learn more about PRP Injection Therapy, contact Dr. Nordts staff for more information.

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PRP & Stem Cell Treatment in Richmond VA - Dr. Bill Nordt ...

Stem cells are the foundation for every organ and tissue in your body. Stem cells are defined by 2 properties: First, they can self-regenerate or self-renew themselves and divide, giving rise to more stem cells of the same kind. Second, they have the unique ability to develop into different types of cells. Therefore, they are called Pluripotent or Multipotent Progenitor Cells because they have this potential to develop into different cell types. It is the environment, or the tissue in which they are placed which ultimately determines what types of cells they will develop into. Stem cells can mature into various cells, tissues and organs of: Ectoderm (skin, nervous tissue), Mesoderm (cartilage, fat, bone) or Endoderm (muscle, gut, lung).

Stem cells can be categorized into 2 broad types of cells:

Under these two types are different classes of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are from embryos. These are derived from the early embryonic tissue and there is, of course, much controversy concerning ethical and moral issues for their use. Fetal or Umbilical stem cells are from the umbilical cords of newborns. They possess a unique regenerative potential and serve as a rich source of undifferentiated stem cells. Amniotic tissues have been described as immune privileged because they rarely evoke an immune response in the human body.

Autologous stem cells refer to those stem cells, which are obtained and given back to the same individual. They are the individuals own stem cells. These are the Adult Stem Cells, which are found in many tissue types. They act as the repair system of the body, replenishing and maintaining the bodys organs and tissues. Adult stem cells can be found in Peripheral Blood. Stem cells in Bone Marrow have been used in medicine for many years with miraculous results. However, stem cells in a persons bone marrow decrease in numbers with an increase in the persons age. Another very rich source of adult stem cells is from a persons own Fat Cells. Research has shown that there are 2,000 times more stem cells in the same amount of fat as compared to bone marrow. A simple, minimally invasive liposuction procedure is performed in order to obtain the stem cells. Fat cells collected through a small liposuction procedure will yield, on average, 60 million stem cells.

Innovative surgeons today are using stem cell harvesting and administration. In the near future stem cells will serve as the treatment of choice for many medical conditions. These surgeons are combiningPRP (platelet rich plasma) taken from a persons blood sample and combining it with the acquired stem cells, because the PRP contains a multitude ofGrowth Factors and Cytokines needed for the regeneration process of healing. In any healing process, there is a sequence which the body follows in order to heal itself. The first place is called the inflammation phase. This is where all the inflammatory factors initiate the cascade of the healing process. This is then followed by the regenerative phase where the platelets supply the growth factors and proteins called cytokines which signal for the bodys own stem cells.

So the platelets by their growth factors and signaling cytokines help stimulate the stem cells, triggering the healing cascade new blood growth, collagen synthesis, new growth and new tissue regeneration.

Stem cell science shows much promise for the future treatment for a wide range of conditions and diseases. In the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery, examples include stem cells for hair growth, face lift, breast augmentation, acne, buttocks enhancement, penile enlargement, and anti-aging therapies. Stem cells for orthopedic conditions are showing amazing results and are well known for sports injuries and even advanced osteoarthritis. They are used for the knees, shoulders, hip, elbows, ankles, and back offering the possibility of eliminating the need for joint replacement surgery. Stem cells are helping general medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neurological diseases and diabetes.

If you have any questions about how stem cell therapy can help benefit hair growth,contact Virginia Surgical Hair Center today at (888) 764-9400. We have convenient locations in McLean, Richmond and Virginia Beach.

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A SpaceX Dragon cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station early Wednesday (Aug. 16), delivering 3 tons of supplies, experiments and even some ice cream for the orbiting lab's crew.

The uncrewed Dragon spacecraft was captured by astronauts using the station's robotic arm at 6:52 a.m. EDT (1052 GMT) as the two spacecraft were flying over the Pacific Ocean, just north of New Zealand.

"Congratulations on a job well done," astronaut Andreas Morgenson of the European Space Agency radioed the station's crew from NASA's Mission Control in Houston. "You've just earned yourself some food." [Watch SpaceX Launch Dragon, then Land a Rocket]

The Dragon cargo ship is filled with more than 6,400 lbs. (2,900 kilograms) of supplies, science experiments and food - and yes, ice cream - for the space station's Expedition 52 crew. SpaceX launched delivery mission Monday (Aug. 14) on a Falcon 9 rocket, which then returned its first stage to Earth in a smooth landing.

Called SpaceX-12 or CRS-12, this flight is SpaceX's 12th cargo flight for NASA under the Commercial Resupply Service program. NASA initially agreed to buy 12 delivery flights from SpaceX, but has extended the agreement to include 20 flights. SpaceX did lose one mission in 2015 when a Falcon 9 rocket failed during liftoff, but the rest have been a success.

"Today has special significance because SpaceX-12 is the last flight on the original cargo resupply contract," NASA astronaut Jack Fischer said from the station. "And this, the 36th flight of a Dragon, stands as a testament to a burgeoning commercial industry that has become a pillar of support to NASA's and really all of humanity's quest to explore the universe."

SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship flies over Italy (the country's boot shape can be seen upside in the background) while delivering vital NASA supplies to the International Space Station on Aug. 16, 2017.

Fischer and ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli captured the Dragon using the station's robotic arm. At one point, cameras on the space station captured Dragon as it soared high over Italy, Nespoli's home country.

Most of the cargo riding on Dragon is science gear, a massive haul that includes a protein crystal experiment to research a new treatment for Parkinson's disease, an experiment to grow lung tissue from stem cells and 20 live mice to help scientists study the effects of long space missions. The U.S. Department of Defense also has a small microsatellite prototype on board, and the Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass for the International Space Station (which has the tasty acronym ISS-CREAM) will study cosmic rays.

The Dragon spacecraft will stay docked to the space station for about a month, after which it will be filled with science experiment results and other items for the return to Earth.

NASA has used SpaceX and another spaceflight company, the Virginia-based Orbital ATK, to make commercial resupply flights the space station since 2012. The space agency has since picked SpaceX, Orbital ATK and a third company Sierra Nevada Corp. to make future deliveries under a new agreement.

In addition to cargo delivery flights, SpaceX will fly NASA astronauts to the space station on a crewed version of the Dragon spacecraft. (NASA has also picked Boeing for astronaut trips to space using that company's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.)

The first crewed flights on Dragon and the Starliner are expected in mid-2018, NASA has said.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him@tariqjmalikandGoogle+.Follow us@Spacedotcom,FacebookorGoogle+. Original story onSpace.com.

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SpaceX Dragon Delivers Supplies (and Science) to Space Station - Space.com

WASHINGTON & HACKENSACK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with John Theurer Cancer Center, part ofHackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J., announce the 100th blood stem cell transplant performed since the BMT programs first patient was treated in September, 2013.

The patient, a woman from Arlington, Virginia, received her blood stem cell transplant at MedStar Georgetown as a treatment for multiple myeloma diagnosed in December 2016.

The BMT program at MedStar Georgetown is a joint effort with specialists from Hackensack John Theurer Cancer Center and a key component of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only cancer program in the Washington, D.C. region designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer center.

Once considered experimental, BMT is todays established gold standard for treating patients with a number of malignant and other non-malignant diseases of the immune system, blood, and bone marrow, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and acute and chronic leukemia. For some conditions, blood stem cell transplant can provide a cure in patients who have failed conventional therapies, says Scott Rowley, MD, chief of the BMT program at MedStar Georgetown as well as a member of the John Theurer Cancer Centers Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation. For some conditions, it can actually be a cure; for others, it prolongs survival and improves quality of life. Having performed 100 BMTs at MedStar Georgetown including allogenic transplantation illustrates the strength and maturity of our program achieved in rather short time.

MedStar Georgetowns program is also the only comprehensive BMT center within Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland with accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for adult autologous procedures, where the patient donates his or her own cells.

The BMT program at JTCC is one of the top 10 transplant programs in the United States, with more than 400 transplants performed annually.

A BMT involves a two-step process: first, collecting bone marrow stem cells from the patient and storing them for future use. Then, a week or so later, patients receive high dose chemotherapy to eliminate their disease. The previously stored cells are reinfused back into the bloodstream, where after reaching the bone marrow, they begin repopulating and allow the patient to recover their blood counts over the following 2 weeks.

Even though BMT is considered standard therapy for myeloma worldwide, in the United States fewer than 50 percent of the patients who could benefit from BMT are referred for evaluation, says David H. Vesole, MD, PhD, Co- Chief and Director of Research of John Theurer Cancer Centers Multiple Myeloma division and director of MedStar Georgetowns Multiple Myeloma Program.

Thats mostly due to physicians concerns that a patient is too old or compromised from other health conditions like diabetes, cardiac disease or renal failure. But new techniques and better supportive care have improved both patient outcomes and the entire transplant process, extending BMT to more patients than ever before.

The MedStar Georgetown/Georgetown Lombardi Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program is part of a collaborative cancer research agenda and multi-year plan to form an NCI-recognized cancer consortium. This recognition would support the scientific excellence of the two centers and highlight their capability to integrate multi-disciplinary, collaborative research approaches to focus on all the aspects of cancer.

The research areas include expansion of clinical bone marrow transplant research; clinical study of haplo transplants use of half-matched stem cell donor cells; re-engineering the function and focus of key immune cells; and the investigation of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies that unleash a sustained immune response against cancer cells.

In this partnership, weve combined John Theurers strength in clinical care with Georgetown Lombardis strong research base that significantly contributes to clinical excellence at MedStar Georgetown. By working together, we have broadened our cancer research to offer more effective treatment options for tomorrows patients, says Andrew Pecora, MD, FACP, CPE, president of the Physician Enterprise and chief innovations officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. This is one of many clinical and research areas that have been enhanced by this affiliation.

Our teams are pursuing specific joint research projects we feel are of the utmost importance and significance in oncology particularly around immuno-oncology as well as precision medicine, says Andr Goy, MD, MS, chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center and director of the division chief of Lymphoma; chief science officer and director of Research and Innovation, RCCA; professor of medicine, Georgetown University. Together our institutions have a tremendous opportunity to transform the delivery of cancer care for our patient populations and beyond.

ABOUT THE JOHN THEURER CANCER CENTER AT HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jerseys largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancers. The 14 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of aftercare services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities.www.jtcancercenter.org.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital with 609 beds located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Founded in the Jesuit principle of cura personaliscaring for the whole personMedStar Georgetown is committed to offering a variety of innovative diagnostic and treatment options within a trusting and compassionate environment.

MedStar Georgetowns centers of excellence include neurosciences, transplant, cancer and gastroenterology. Along with Magnet nurses, internationally recognized physicians, advanced research and cutting-edge technologies, MedStar Georgetowns healthcare professionals have a reputation for medical excellence and leadership.

For more information please visit: medstargeorgetown.org/bmsct

About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, a 775-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the countys first hospital, it is now part of one of the largest networks in the state comprised of 28,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Reports 2016-17 Best Hospital rankings - maintaining its place atop the NJ rankings since the rating system was introduced. It was also named one of the top four New York Metro Area hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades Americas 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Beckers Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2017. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 25 Gold Seals of Approval by The Joint Commission more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Womens and Childrens Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Womens Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guides list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to The Northern Trust PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Childrens Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital. To learn more, visit http://www.HackensackUMC.org.

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John Theurer Cancer Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Announce 100 - Business Wire (press release)