Stem cell transplant for CD?

No one? I found a bunch of articles. Very prelim I think but 97%?!!!!? How dangerous are transplants? I know my dad did a bone marrow transplant for my aunt years ago. Main concern was that he stay healthy prior. Wore mask on plane etc and people looked at him like he had the plague! Little did they know it was to protect him from their grossness. Ha

I believe it would work too, having a baby put me in remission for over a year, and I've been told that it's not uncommon for a baby to "loan" you their stem cells.

However isn't stem cell research still controversial? I'm all for it and believe it could cure any number of diseases, but that would explain why there isn't much out there about it.

I have researched stem cell replacement. the process is brutal, but I am with you if it works - what is 6 months of hell compared to the rest of your life feeling good or better...
I have done a research study that uses stem cell in an IV as a drug therapy. I personally didn't have relief from it, but a lot of people on the drug did.
So there is hope that in the near future stem cell therapy will be common place - Thank GOD!!!

From wikipedia "Not all stem cell research involves the creation, use, or destruction of human embryos. For example, adult stem cells, amniotic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells do not involve human embryos."

Also, some good info (general stem cell, not CD specific) here:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/stem-cell.htm

These treatments are a lot more accepted as "last shot" treatments, meaning doctors are more comfortable doing these with patients that would die otherwise. I think a lot of doctors would be uncomfortable doing a stem cell transplant on a Crohn's patient because Crohn's isn't life threatening and the process IS possibly life threatening. NOT SAYING THAT I AGREE - I really think I would be willing to do it if I could get a guarantee that it would work.

I wish I had asked my GI about it. Would've given it a shot.

I had my autologous (my own) stem cell transplant almost 5 years ago and it was THE BEST decision I've ever made. I'm 36, diagnosed at 15 and at 17 my colon perforated and I almost died. Had 4 surgeries in 6 months that year and have had a total of 7 now. I wish this treatment had been an option so much sooner. I was basically dying when I had it, full TPN and 3 IV antibiotics a day. Off all meds for a couple years and now just on low dose Imuran and feeling great. Havent been hospitalized in years and hardly had any issues at all. My transplant was at Northwestern with Dr. Richard Burt.

My son is 10 AND dxed not even 2 weeks ago. I asked the dr about stem cell usage and he said it would not work. I saved his placenta blood at birth so I have a ripe source of good cells. He said that they too would be programmed to develop crohns. Is that true? I do know it has a genetic component. If so, how are those with crohns using their adult cells to put an end to the disease?

For the person this worked for....who did you go to for this treatment? In what country?
Thanks

Thanks. We are trying the elemental diet with a g tube for now. the fact that he is young and I saved his placenta cells might make a difference since he will not have to have any harvested. Im thinking one year out from this...if it doesnt work... I am not willing to do steroids at this point. thanks for the info. I will save it and look into it in the coming weeks.
Love and Light
Kyles mom

Hi- It seems that Mesoblast expects FDA approval within the next 2 years, but I don't know for what indication as it seems to treat multiple illnesses. From this article: http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/premium/singapore/stem-cell-therapy-firm-set-manufacturing-plants-here-20140529

STEM cell therapy firm Mesoblast plans to set up manufacturing plants here, in anticipation that its flagship product, Prochymal, will get approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the next two years.
This comes also as the Australia-based company prepares for new product launches in the US and other markets over the next few years.
A product awaiting full approval is Prochymal, which Mesoblast claims helps to more than double the survival rate of patients suffering from complications after receiving tissue transplants from donors, also known as graft versus host disease.
Mesoblast acquired Prochymal last year after buying over Osiris Therapeutics' stem cell unit.

It seems that the Phase III trial for Crohn's is ongoing. I don't see any information why it is taking so long though....

Post Edited (Bareket1) : 6/2/2014 10:30:22 AM (GMT-6)

This is all good news. I appreciate the info. I looked it up and contacted Seattle Childrens Hospital to see about how to enroll him in some kind of trial. They seem to be on the cutting edge when it comes to children.