Breakthrough in Using Stem Cells to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa
February 25, 2011
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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16 Responses to “Breakthrough in Using Stem Cells to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa”
I am happy to hear that RP can be cured by stem cell. I suffer from retintis pigmentosa. I much feel happy to pave the way to cure it. Thanks. from Sri Lanka
I have read a new stem cell treatment for retinitis pigmentosa by Dr Stephen Levy in Florida. This is the most positive treatment I have seen so far. What you know about this and your opinion. Thanks Barbara
many, many years away until a cure
Please let me know if a cure is developed. My husband has been losing his eye sight since 2006, he is 54 years old. I wish there was surgery or treatment available.
that kind of vision is many years away. please look into the stem cell section here for more info about trials.
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?
i have no data. please consult with a world-class eye hospital
My mom has RP and has totally lost her sight. Pls let us know when the treatment is available
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.
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
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.
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
I hope all these studies to make rp curable!
I hope that rp will be cureable in the future!
I AM REALY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT BECOUSE MY FATHER HAS THIS DEASESE BUT IS IT AVAILABLE NOW OR STILL UNDER STUDY?
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.
