stem cell therapy in kids with SCI

[rcarpentercrosby]

I have searched for successful stories for stem cell therapy for SCI but it seems there are not as many. I have read there is work being done on a drug to encourage the cells to go to the damaged nerves and rebuild over scar tissue, maybe this is why there are not as many successes yet??

Couple of questions...
I wanted to know if anyone with a SCI had a story to share. I have the opportunity to keep the cord blood from a relative of my son's and wanted to know...how do they match the cells to the patient. Is it as simple as the same blood type and is it possible for his body to reject the newly implanted cells? My son had transverse myelitis, which caused his SCI, so is there a good possiblity his immune system would attack the new cells?

If anyone has any experience or stories to share I would appreciate it.

[barbara]

Are you looking for patient input only or would you like me to give this to the next host of the Ask the Doctor forum which will appear in May? I will be happy to do so if you wish.

[rcarpentercrosby]

Hi Barbara,
I posted the questions to anyone with experience but I would not mind it being added to the May questions; thank you for asking. I have read in another post that there is only a 25% chance relatives will match in the cord blood stem cells but I have not found any information on the chances the body will attack the stem cells.

I would appreciate any input/advice/information people are willing to share.

Thanks,
Rebecca

[barbara]

I hope you will get responses before the next forum, but I will submit your questions to the host doctor for May. It never hurts to get a second opinion anyway, right? This is as good a time as any to remind people that the April Ask the Doctor is closed, but you can start submitting questions to my e-mail for May.


One thing to keep in mind with umbilical cord stem cell therapy is that the stem cells are isolated from the umbilical cord blood, so that there are no blood cells present. This is why there is no need for matching or blood typing. This also makes the possibility of Graft vs. Host Diseases (GVHD) almost non existent and there are no rejection issues either. I think there will be some very startling progress in the next year or two for SCI treatment.