2nd Annual International Congress on Regenerative and Cell Based Medicine

The International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS) has become the premier society for cellular medicine representing physicians from 35 countries and 6 continents. It recently held its second annual conference.   In addition to presentations on platelet rich plasma(PRP),  adipose and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell therapies, the conference also held a one day training course:  Essential Knowledge in the Collection of Stem Cells.

The Centeno-Schultz Clinic was proud to have three physicians present at this conference.   Dr. Centeno was the moderator and lectured on FDA regulation of stem cells and presented new knee outcome data (recently submitted for publication).  He also presented on the science and techniques used to collect stem cells from bone marrow.   Dr. Schultz lectured on treating degenerative discs with stem cells and on the use of fluoroscopy in stem cell collection.  Dr. Hanson lectured on stem cell collection using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Recovery from Stem Cell Therapy

Knee surgery often requires significant post procedure rehabilitation.

Microfracture, a common surgical procedure designed to create new joint cartilage, requires 6-8 weeks of non weight bearing after surgery.  This can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness and significant post procedure physical therapy.

CB, a professional athlete, despite undergoing two knee surgeries continued to have significant knee pain and limited range of motion.  CB was unable to climb stairs or run without significant pain.  Instead of undergoing an additional surgery, CB elected to use his own expanded stem cells using the Regenexx procedure.

 CB underwent additional therapies at the Centeno-Schultz Clinic which  included  prolotherapy to tighten loose ligaments and lumbar epidural injections with platelet derived growth factors. Compared to many orthopedic surgeries which require limited activity and extensive physical therapy, CB’s postprocedure restrictions were minor:  no high impact activity such as running and the use of an un-loader brace for 2 weeks. 

Several weeks following stem cell therapy, CB reports 85% improvement in his range of motion and knee pain.  He wanted to challenge himself so he tackled Vail Mountain.  Looking sharp…….

Off Shore Stem Cell Report Card

The International Cellular Medicine Society is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of safe and effective adult stem cell therapies through research, education and oversight.

The ICMS  publication is a first of its kind report on off shore stem cells clinics. The report provides a summary of cells used, diseases treated and treatments costs of nearly a dozen non-US based stem cells clinics. The report also details the specific procedures, methods and practices of each clinic and evaluates them against the ICMS clinical and lab practice guidelines.

The Bigger Picture

The American Stem Cell Therapy Association has opted for a global perspective.  Accordingly, it has changed its name to match its mission statement.

 

The Internation Cellular Medicine Society was formed by physicians, scientists and other professionals to establish international laboratory and practice guidelines.  In addition,  there is a re-implantation registry that tracks all results and complications.

Mission statement:

-Produce guideline for the use of autologous adult stem cells.  (Autologous= a patients own cells).

-Provide standards for the minimal expansion of autologous adult stem cells (A-ASC).

• -To educate physicians on cell based medicine and establish safe standards.

Regenerative Sciences, which provides the Regenexx procedure has adopted the guidelines set forth by ICMS.  In doing so, it has now provided an additional layer of safety for its patients.  The standard of care autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy has now been raised.

An international conference discussing the current guidelines and stem cell therapies is in Vegas this November.

Upcoming conference on stem cell therapy would be the first of its kind.