Stem cell treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder and it is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor and a slowing of physical movement. This is caused by the degenerative character of the disease, which primarily affects the central nervous system and leads to an impairment of motor and speech skills and a number of other body functions.
Parkinson's disease is usually treated with drugs designed to mask its symptoms, thus helping patients live a more normal life, for a while. But eventually, the drugs become ineffective as the disease worsens. Another treatment that is gaining in popularity is deep brain stimulation; a surgical treatment involving the implantation of a medical device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain.

The XCell-Center Parkinson's treatment

The XCell-Center's Parkinson's treatment differs from standard methods because, in contrast to temporarily masking symptoms with drugs or implanted devices, it is a drug-free alternative focused on affecting physical changes in the brain that can improve a patient's quality of life.
In a pilot survey, more than 90% of the Parkinson's patients treated with stem cells at the XCell-Center reported improvements.
Most Parkinson's patients are treated by lumbar puncture; injecting the stem cells into the cerebrospinal fluid which transports them up the spinal canal and into the brain. However, a new procedure, by which the stem cells are surgically implanted directly into the brain, is also available.
Lumbar puncture is an outpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany 4 or 5 nights. Direct surgical implantation is an inpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany for about 10 nights.

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.

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 by lumbar puncture or surgical implantation. Surgical implantation is performed under general anesthesia.

Lumbar Puncture

A spinal needle is inserted between L4 and L5 vertebrae and a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. A portion of that spinal fluid is mixed with the stem cell solution which is then injected into back into the patient's spinal fluid, not the spinal cord. After the stem cells have been implanted, the patient will lie down in the recovery room for a few hours before returning to his or her hotel room. The lumbar puncture procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults and general anesthesia for children. Under normal circumstances, procedures performed under local anesthesia are not painful.

Surgical Implantation

Prior to surgery, physical and functional damage will be assessed by computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Once the affected brain regions have been identified and mapped, the neurosurgeon will implant the stem cells using a high tech navigation system that allows the cells to be placed with high accuracy.
All surgical implantation procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Following Treatment

Patients who are treated by lumbar puncture are required to stay in town on the day after their procedure for general safety purposes. They may return home on the fifth day.
Surgical implantation patients may leave upon discharge from the hospital, usually on the ninth or tenth day, depending upon how their recovery progresses.

Treatment Results

• One patient reported no change in muscle spasticity, sensation, mobility or feeling of well-being after the treatment.
• Two out of 11 patients reported an overall improvement, with improved mobility (legs, arms) and/or improved strength. Some patients reported a regaining of muscle strength and/or an improvement of balance. There was some improvement of speech and/or a reduction of pain and spasms.
• Eight out of 11 patients reported a strong improvement, with a marked improvement of mobility, speech and significantly reduced pain and spasms.
• No patients reported a perceived deterioration of the quality of their life.

Costs
Stem cell implantation via lumbar puncture: 7,545 Euros (adults)
Minimally invasive surgical implantation of stem cells directly into the brain: 25,500 Euros

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 within 3 business days. 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.