Former Auburn coach getting stem cell treatments for Lou Gehrig's disease.
One of the ALS patients, former NFL football player and college coach Frank Orgel, recently underwent a new stem cell reprogramming technique performed at Precision StemCell. Before the injections, Orgel's health had declined. He could not move his left arm or leg. He couldn't walk or stand on his own, he said.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson's are very devastating and have few 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 stem cells for the treatment of conditions such as ALS. 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 numerous other patients, with most seeing modest; and some seeing significant improvement in their condition. This is certainly not a cure, but it has led us in the direction to improve treatment for ALS. This same technique has translated into therapy for other conditions such as Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.
Nerve injury / Paralysis
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 a few 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 to allow these patients to gain enough use to improve their overall function and quality of life.
ALS Treatment with Stem Cells
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 patient’s 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.
MRI Guided Needle Placement
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.
CT Guided Needle Placement
Computed tomography (CT) allows for detailed visualization of the anatomy of the body. CT uses x-ray and makes thin slices through the body to generate an image of the internal anatomy. Our system has CT fluoroscopy, which allows real time imaging while placing the needle under CT guidance. This allows for precise needle placement.
Ultrasound Guided Needle Placement
Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate an image of the body. This technique is very useful for the injection of tendons, as it allows good visualization in real-time.
Ultrasound image demonstrating stem cell injection of the quadriceps tendon where it attaches to the knee cap.
Fluoroscopy Guided Needle Placement
Fluoroscopy is real time X-ray. It allows for the visualization of bony structures. This is useful for certain injections of the joint and spine.
My son was originally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, mild autism, and mild Aspberger’s. A few years ago, he had a very bad reaction to an injected psych medication. It caused him to have permanent tardive dyskinesia, extra-perimetal affects, and Parkinson’s symptoms. After 6 months of hospitalization, the doctors told me we should adjust to this as his “new norm” and that I should not feel guilty if I chose to institutionalize him. After some mild to mild symptom relief with neuro-feedback, diet, and supplementation, we found Precision StemCell. The Intervention Radiologist administered stem cells to my son 5 months ago; and we were able to eliminate his side effect medication, and reduce his bipolar medication to the lowest therapeutic dose. We went back for a second treatment a few weeks ago; and he is already off of all medication; and functioning normally. He is making friends and talking to girls. He will be able to start college in the fall. Precision StemCell gave my son a new life. 05/19/2016
My husband had very bad mood swings. He was disorganized, and forgetful. He also could not focus and seemed ADD. He went to Precision StemCell for treatment. I wasn’t sure what to expect; but I was ready to try anything. He would not take meds. It has only been a few weeks; but he already seems more calm. Yesterday, he organized his work cabinets; and my kitchen cabinets. They say the cells keep working for 4-6 months. I can’t wait to see my new husband! Don’t get a divorce. Get stem cell! 05/17/2016
My husband had very low testosterone. He did not want to get endless shots or repeated pellet injections; so he went to Precision Stem Cell. The doctor injected stem cells into his scrotum. They used a topical anesthetic, so he felt nothing. Then, the doctor injected umbilical stem cells into his scrotum. Before this, we only had sex every few months. Since receiving this shot, he hasn’t left me alone! Thank you, Precision StemCell!!! 05/13/2016
My brother received stem cell treatment applied directly to his kidney from Precision StemCell’s doctors, using image guidance. His creatinine had been high and climbing from numerous surgeries. He was nearing the need for dialysis. In 3 weeks, his creatine went down to 2.1. In a few months, it was 1.2. 04/16/2016.
My brother had a hole in his lung from a surgery that had not closed in more than a year. He had to have an opening in his chest; and he had gotten a dangerous infection. Precision StemCell’s doctor applied stem cells directly to his lung. The hole closed in a matter of weeks; and his overall health seemed to improve. 3/21/2016
- My brother, Paul, underwent the stem procedure the first week of October 2012 with Precision StemCell. Both the doctors and the staff were very professional and informative. It was clear that Dr. Williams wanted to get the procedure just right. Given Paul has a PEG tube laying on his stomach for the spinal tap was too difficult. Dr. Williams made sure the spinal tap with Paul on his side was done effectively.
- well 5 months after the procedure vance's neck muscles are still stronger than they were before. all in all we felt it was very worthwile and are eager to hear about any new developments coming from dr. williams research and learnings...VP 1/11/2013
- While I know this isn't a cure, I believe this procedure helped me. After a lot of research and thought, I decided to give it a try in order to get some improvement and stabilization until an EAP or early approval is granted to other drugs and treatments in the pipeline. As of today, I'm 4.5 months post-procedure. My FVC has gone from 41 to 46 percent. I still use a BIPAP 5-6 hours per night, but no longer need it during the day. I have movement in my right hand again, and regained the ability to move my several of my toes. Hand and feet movements are noticeable if not measurable at this point. I have stabilized in some other areas, and have much slower progression in others. Precision StemCell’s investigational stem cell procedure has given me hope. I will do it again if and when needed. SCJ 1/10/13
- Paul's first stem treatment with Precision StemCell was in early October 2012. We are working on arranging another and I will help in any way with Precision StemCell’s initiatives in the gene engineering. I will gladly log on and participate in the links you sent, and again, thank you. LD posted 1/10/13
- I will list for you the results I have experienced:
1. after a wk. or more, twitchings in muscles stopped.
2. after a month, walking in pool dramatically improved. Left leg picked up and hadn't been. Now can move backwards, forward, sideways... all in pool.
3. no improvement when having to fight gravity. (on land!!)
4. improvement in weight-lifting with physical therapist--do this twice/weekly. have been able to increase wts. with affected arm and leg. (mine is one-sided still, affecting only left part of body...)
posted on forum FO 1/6/13
- Remember the name, Precision StemCell, in about a years time they will be in the news for his treatment of ALS. Its not a cure but it will help till their is a cure. My wife had his treatment but it was to late to help her. Posted on forum 1/2/13
- i recieved my treatment on dec 3rd. amazingly 4 short days later my toes on my left foot began to move more, i only had about a 1/4 inch of movement prior to the treatment, now it has been almost a month and i have 3/4 inch of movement. my doctor at UAB in birmingham al. says there is no cure for als. im just waiting until my next visit with him in march to see the look on his face! lol. Precision stemcell has really given me hope! tks. for your work on this, please let me know if i can help. RE, 12/28/12