Stem cell treatment of Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a retinal degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. The risk of developing Macular degeneration increases with age. The disease most often affects people in their sixties and seventies. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of fifty.
The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for perceiving fine visual detail. Light sensing cells in the macula, known as photoreceptors, convert light into electrical impulses and then transfer these impulses to the brain via the optic nerve. Central vision loss from Macular degeneration occurs when photoreceptor cells in the macula degenerate.
The Xcell-Center Macular Degeneration treatment
Macular patients are treated by implanting the stem cells behind the eye via retrobulbar injection under local anesthesia. These re-injected stem cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of cells and are capable of regenerating damaged tissue.
We believe that the retro-bulbar injection of autologous stem cells might first prevent the progression of dry and wet macular degeneration by reducing the Drusen deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium beneath the macula. It might also prevent the destruction of the photoreceptors in both the dry and wet type, by reactivating proper micro-vessel activity and reducing the abnormal blood vessel growth beneath.
Bone Marrow Collection
On the
first day, bone marrow is collected from the patient's iliac crest
(hip bone) using thin-needle mini-puncture under local anesthesia.
Although some pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most
patients do not find the bone marrow collection procedure
particularly painful. The entire procedure normally takes about 30
minutes.
Once the bone marrow collection is complete, patients may return to their hotel and go about normal activities. Patients who receive general anesthesia must lie down for a short recovery period before returning to their hotel.
More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Laboratory Processing
The next
day, the stem cells are processed from the bone marrow in a
state-of-the-art, government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the
lab, both the quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured.
These cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of
cells and are capable of regenerating or repairing damaged
tissue.
Stem Cell Implantation
On the third day, the stem cells are implanted back into the patient via retrobulbar injection by an experienced ophthalmologist.
Retrobulbar means "behind the eye" and therefore the stem cells are implanted into the space behind the eye ball by inserting a small needle under the bottom of the eye. The needle is then guided into the retrobulbar space. Once the needle is in the correct position, the stem cells are injected.
Retrobulbar injection can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Results
The following results are for one female patient, 45 years of age.
In the past, she had undergone several photodynamic laser macula treatments and two "lucentis" intra vitreo injections with a disastrous clinical result. Her clinical condition continued to worsen.
When she arrived at the Xcell-center for the first time, she had a central scotoma on the left eye and she was not able to count her fingers. In the right eye we observed the onset of macula degeneration with macula epiteliopathy and 9/10 corrected visual acuity that we have been able to preserve until the present.
After some detoxification treatments the patient was sent to the XCell-center on April 25, 2008 for a bilateral autologous stem cell retro-bulbar implantation.
Just two weeks after the treatment, during an objective, standardized examination, this patient showed significant improvement.
The next picture shows the Threshold Fovea Map. Clearly visible
is the improvement in retinal sensitivity.
The following picture shows the Visual Fields. Here, too, one
can see an improved retinal sensitivity.
Patient Stories
Read what our patients have to say about their treatment:
Nancy Rice,
75 years old, Dry Macular Degeneration
"...with stem cell implants the disease does not seem to
progress! And that is so with me."
Bill
Baerlocher, 78 years old, Dry Macular Degeneration
"...My eyesight has improved from 20/400 to 20/150 in my left
eye and from 20/80 to 20/70 in my right, as measured by my
ophthalmologist in Seattle."
Cost
The price for the treatment is 10.545 Euros. There is an extra 2,000 euro charge for patients with hepatitis.
Your high-quality stem cell sample will be implanted by retrobulbar injection into the eye space under local or general anesthesia.
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
