Breakthrough in Using Stem Cells to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa

February 25, 2011

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Dr. Ari Weitzner

Ophthalmology Times: Seven blind patients (retinitis pigmentosa) were injected with stem cells in a study by Dr. Francis at the Oregon Health and Science University. The cells were tolerated and not rejected. One patient noticed a small increase in light sensitivity. This is a good first step. As you can see, stem cell therapy is a long way off from giving patients useful vision, but at least we are on the right track. By the way, these stem cells were injected via a surgical vitrectomy and injected under the retina. Stem cell centers which promise vision by injecting via the  retrobulbar route are selling an unproven therapy in my professional opinion. As I have said many times, I urge patients who want to try stem cells to seek out well-respected university settings and volunteer for studies.

 

 

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12 Responses to “Breakthrough in Using Stem Cells to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa”

  1. abbessi abdelbaki on April 5th, 2011 10:25 am

    hi, i’m happy to hear that there’s a hope for people with retinitis pigmentosa. i have two boys with retinitis pigmentosa and i need help to treat them.

  2. HEBA on April 20th, 2011 12:27 am

    I AM REALY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT BECOUSE MY FATHER HAS THIS DEASESE BUT IS IT AVAILABLE NOW OR STILL UNDER STUDY?

  3. Eriola on May 28th, 2011 3:04 pm

    I hope that rp will be cureable in the future!

  4. Eriola on May 28th, 2011 3:06 pm

    I hope all these studies to make rp curable!

  5. saravanan on August 12th, 2011 6:15 am

    Really an happy news for me my father also suffering from retinal pigmentosa when the treatment will be available in india
    Please reply me sir

  6. ari on August 12th, 2011 2:38 pm

    as i have stated many times, stem cell treatments will not be available to the public for many many years. we are still in the very early stages.

  7. steve on August 14th, 2011 7:44 am

    i wish there was hope soon im losing my eye sight and theres nothing i can do about it.
    ive now got a baby girl and need to be there for her furture, how am i to protect her her if im blind????
    ill try any thing!!
    regards steve

  8. Dr. Ari Weitzner on August 14th, 2011 9:52 am

    your story is saddening- i wish i could offer more encouragement. at the least, do not waste your precious money on things that dont work and that are designed simply to take your money away- there are many evil people out there who are happy to take advantage of you.

  9. Swathi on December 6th, 2011 6:38 pm

    My mom has RP and has totally lost her sight. Pls let us know when the treatment is available

  10. ari on December 10th, 2011 7:28 pm

    i have no data. please consult with a world-class eye hospital

  11. Gaurav Jogi on March 18th, 2012 9:57 am

    Its nice to see some positive output seen! I would like to ask whether it is curable to the extent that the person can aleast read & write so that they can start working and earn their livelihood. My brother is having this diesease and is not able to read or write. pls give me a reply. & Can you provide some information on how to participate in trials?

  12. ari on March 19th, 2012 9:54 am

    that kind of vision is many years away. please look into the stem cell section here for more info about trials.

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