Tiantan Puhua Stem Cell Center
Types of stem cells that we use
hRPE stem cells for Parkinson
Neural stem cells for Stroke and Cerebral Palsy
Other neurological diseases
Why are doctors and scientists so excited about human embryonic stem cells?
Our stem cells program and procedures:
Combination of different procedures
Will I need to come again?
Treatment period
What are the risks involved in the surgical procedures? What are the means
taken to prevent them?
Lumbar puncture
Stereotactic brain surgery
Can I get AIDS infection?
General questions:
Our standards of keeping the viability and sterility of our stem cells
Clinical trials
How do I know if the treatment is right for me?
Caregivers
Flying with disabilities
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Types of Stem Cell We Use
What kind of stem cells do you usually use? Umbilical cord, embryonic or
adult stem cells? Where do you get them from?
The type of stem cells we choose depends on the disease that the patient
suffers from, and the medical plan. For Parkinson's disease, we use human
Retinal Pigment Epithelial (hRPE) cells from adults. For cerebral palsy and
strokes, we use fetal neural stem cells. All stem cells come from the Peking
University Stem Cell Research Center, which is the largest and most
qualified stem cell lab in China, where the cells had undergone rigorous
tests according to our highly strict regulations.
hRPE stem cells for Parkinson
Parkinson disease is a brain disorder that occurs when certain nerve cells
in the brain die or become damaged.? The normal function of these nerve
cells is the production of Dopamine - a vital chemical which is responsible
of our body's smooth and well coordinated movement.? The lack of Dopamine as
a result of damaged nerve cells can cause the Parkinson's symptoms of
shaking (tremors), stiffness of the muscles, freeze ups, balance
difficulties and slowness of movement.
To treat Parkinson Disease we apply a unique procedure, specifically
designed for Parkinson's patients, in which we implanting through brain
injection adult stem cells extracted from the human retina, called 'human
Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells' (hRPE). These special cells have the
quality of producing Dopamine which gives solution to the lack of Dopamine
production which causes the symptoms of Parkinson Disease.
Another important advantage of these cells is that they have no
immunosuppressive reactions and therefore patients do not need to take
additional drugs during the treatment.
The treatment includes the implantation of hRPE cells into the region in the
brain where the damaged cells are, along with a daily cocktail of
medications that "fertilize" this area, helping the cells to survive and
keep on renewing themselves.
While the treatment can not completely remove all symptoms of the disease,
it can greatly reduce the tremors, decrease muscle tension, improve movement's
continuity and balance, increase the muscle strength, reduce the freeze ups,
etc.
On June 2006 we have performed the first published successful stem cell
treatment for Parkinson world wide, of an American patient that came to our
hospital at a very progressive stage of Parkinson Disease.?
You can find the Patient Experience of Penny Thomas at:
http://www.stemcellschina.com/content/view/205/15/.
So far, about 20 Parkinson patients have been treated with hRPE stem cells
from Peking University's Stem Cells research Center ('Beida') in various
cooperative hospitals. All of the patients showed increasing dopamine
metabolism, and the conditions of the all the patients improved after the
transplantation (usually the improvement occurred one week after the
injection). The first clinical trial was performed at 2004, but long term
following up is still under investigation (at least 1-3 years follow-up), so
the treatment is still under careful control, especially in the selection of
the suitable patients.?
Our comprehensive program for Parkinson patients combines both nerve stem
cell activation and stimulation and the stem cells implantation.? This
combined treatment has so far proved itself to be most efficient in bringing
high level of recovery in different neurological diseases.?
The treatment includes stem cell implantation, medications procedure,
surgery procedure, biofeedback treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.
The key to the success of this treatment method is the overall customized
treatment regimen for each patient.
hRPE Stem Cells Implantation:
The hRPE cells will be injected through Sterotaxios surgery into the Putman
area in the brain.
We use that technique since it has the highest accuracy.
A single injection of hRPE stem cells will be given to the patient.
Self Stem Cells Activation and Proliferation:
Under non-invasive circumstances, through daily IV of individually
customized cocktail of neurotrophic medicines we activating the patient's
own stem cells and thus turning these cells into nerve precursor cells.?
These have signalization and migrate to lesions along the nerve
developing-chord. Through this procedure we will create a most active and
'fertile'
nerve environment in the brain, to allow the new implanted cells to survive,
and to start a continuous process of renewing themselves.??
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation therapy is very much necessary as a part of the entire
treatment regimen. In the past 20 years nerve system rehabilitation in terms
of motor control theory has been greatly developed. The adult stem cell
mobilization technique we use is combined with signal induction in the
rehabilitation training procedure which can significantly improve brain
function.
In our Rehabilitation center we use different kind of rehabilitation methods
of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech therapy and Traditional
Chinese Medicine.
The Procedures
Self stem cell activation and proliferation program
This program usually takes six to eight weeks of stay in the Hospital.
1.?Upon arrival at the hospital, you will be given standard tests to check
your health and the details of your condition. A thorough evaluation of the
neurological function and understanding of the lesion or pathological change
in the brain tissues will be established by the medical team.
2.?According to your condition a medical plan will be designed for Self Stem
cell Original Activation and Proliferation treatment.? Then, to drive off
the triggers factors of the stroke, we will treat the blood vessel wall, the
blood ingredients and the blood flow, improving the brain micro environment
to help the stem cells proliferate.
3.?The self activation and proliferation treatment will than start. Based on
Neuro-endocrine immune network theory, we treat the patients by "waking up"
the sleeping stem cells through oral medication. We use different
medications during different processes
(proliferation-inducement-differentiation), the medications always adjusted
and combined; therefore, we call it 'cocktail treatment'.
4.?Through the treatment period we will be following up and evaluate your
neurological function and improvement.
5.?While one treatment cycle is complete, 2 to 5 months rest are recommended
before coming for second treatment.
hRPE Stem cells implantation procedure by stereotactic technology
1.?Preparation: You will be given enough time to recover after your trip
before you will receive your first injection of stem cells. Some patients
prefer to wait a day or two to get settled in before taking all the tests as
they are quite thorough and can be strenuous after a long trip.
2.?A stereotactic frame is installed on the patient's head and he is then
sent to CT or MRI scan with the frame.
3.?The patient is sent to the operation room for surgery. The operation
procedure:
The 3-D parameters of the injection target is calculated by 2 computers and
related program to make sure of the accuracy of the surgery.
A sterile surgical guiding frame is installed that is connected with the
head frame
A needle is them inserted under the guiding frame into the target by a tiny
hole in?the skull through which the stem cells are injected.
Side effects:
Both of the procedures can cause minor side effect for 2 to 3 days after the
operation such as fever, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.? These side
effects are expected and should not alarm or concern you. Many patients do
not suffer any side effects.
Treatment period:
The recommended period of time for treatment is 4 to 8 weeks but there
should be improvement after the first month. The patient can decide on
whether to
do the second month's treatment at the end of the first month.
To see a daily time table of the treatment program from the day of arrival
to the day of departure please click here
Signing up for treatment:
If you are considering the treatment, we will need you to fill in the
attached document: "Parkinson Disease Pre Treatment Evaluation". By the
information you will provide the doctors could determine if you can be a
candidate for this treatment. It will be most helpful if you will also
provide them with other medical records + MRI images if possible. We will
then have a consultation with the doctors about your case and will come back
to you with their evaluation and suggested course of action.
You have two options of sending your MRI and medical records:
1. If you can have your MRI as digital images you may send them as
attachments along with your diagnosis and medical background via email:
Send us your medical records here
2. You can send us your MRI and medical records by air mail. Make sure to
use express mail so you can track the package if necessary.
Please send the package to the following address:
To: Dr. Sherwood / Kotan Arkin
Beijing Tiantan Puhua Hospital
12 Tiantan Nanli
Beijing, 100050,
People's Republic of China
Our international department team will be happy to answer any enquiry by
email or phone,
and consult with the doctors if necessary. We will get back to you as soon
as possible with their answer and suggested course of action.
Send us an enquiry here?
As you made the decision of coming for treatment please fill in the
following form:
Initial background for Tiantan Puhua's patients
Signing up for treatment is easy and flexible - we need to know your date of
arrival two weeks in advanced so we can reserve you a room and arrange to
pick you up from the airport.
Our international department team will help you to figure out all the
arrangement for your trip. For more information about traveling arrangements
see here.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/healthmedcond/public/en_us#pwd
UK phone number: (44) 870-850-9850
American Airlines:
http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/specialAssistance/planningAhead.jhtml
U.S.A phone number: (1) 800-433-7300
Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
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