We certainly are living in changing times and daily uncertainties, but my practice continues. Over the years, I have noted that when there is public angst, I have a bit freer time to review our outcomes. Alfred E. Neuman, the mascot for Mad Magazine during its heyday, had a motto “What, me worry?”; and I try to live by that motto. What I have learned from review of outcomes is that More Is Better; both in the quantity of biologics administered and the number of times repeated over a period of years.
Stem Cells Clinical Trial Update
By the end of July, we will have completed recruiting our Personalized Stem Cells Clinical Trial allotted number of patients. While the Adipose based Stem Cell Trial had started in the fall of 2019, all was put on hold until about a month ago owing to the Pandemic. Our initial observation is that there has been a significant decrease of symptoms and improved function in those who underwent liposuction and the knee intervention prior to the February temporary suspension of the Trial. The hope is that sometime this fall, the PSC Trial will allow recruitment of patients with significant symptoms and limitations generated by bilateral knee osteoarthritic involvement. At the same time, PSC will seek approval from the FDA for permission to expand the number of stem cells available for a patient by culturing.
Regenerative Medicine Update
While all this is taking place, please be reminded that our practice offers several options that have proven successful over time or with repeat procedures. First and foremost is the use of bone marrow derived stem cells, growth factors (cytokines), platelets and precursor cells in the arthritic joint. Many patients have returned both for a repeat intervention after some years or for attention to an additional symptomatic and function limiting joint. The patients, including myself, who have undergone several biologic injections be it proprietary, compounded, platelet rich plasma or the more recently available acellular amniotic fluid, have really benefited from the repeated series.
Last of all, I want to remind the reader that interested patients may access Adipose derived Stem cells outside of the PSC Clinical Trial if interested on a fee for service basis. The advantage of such is that several joints may be treated at the same sitting. In the latter scenario, a mini liposuction is completed and the recovered adipose tissue is prepared for immediate joint intervention via a methodology introduced by Lipogems. The end result of the Lipogems process is micronized adipose tissue; it has become quite popular in several biologic practices around the United States.
If you wish to explore these Regenerative and Orthobiologic options for an arthritic joint or joints, you may visit my web site and access my webinar at www.sheinkopmd.com. Even better would be to seek consultation in my office; you may schedule by calling (312) 475-1893.
Tags: orthobiologics, regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy