April 30, 2010
We have received several inquiries since the CBS program 60 minutes, about stem cell treatment, which aired on Sunday April 25, 2010. The program did not involve our organization or anyone associated with our company. However, as an active participant in providing access to stem cell treatment we feel that it is necessary that we state our position in this matter.
The most common inquiry that we’ve received had to do with a statement that was made on the CBS broadcast. The statement made the assertion that “today we cannot cure any disease or condition using stem cells”. Then the question becomes; “What have we cured since Polio?” If the statement’s assertion meant to imply that ““today we cannot treat any disease or condition using stem cells”. Then, simply put, that is an inaccurate statement.
We are not speaking on behalf of the industry. We certainly aren’t able to defend the actions of many individuals that are operating in this industry. Like every industry, we certainly have our share of individuals with questionable character who make unbelievable claims and have suspicious practices. However, to showcase the illegal and unethical practices of these individuals, as proof, that stem cells do not have any therapeutic value is just irresponsible.
For over fifty years, stem cells have been used to treat Leukemia. Today, many blood disorders are treated by stem cells. One of the most prominent and internationally known medical centers in the world that is located in Los Angeles is now treating patients who suffer from heart diseases using stem cells. For legal reasons we cannot mention the name of the facility but the hospital is synonymous for attending to most entertainers and affluent individuals. In the field of orthopedic medicine, FDA approved procedures, using stem cells, are employed to treat patients. In the Unites States, advances are made, everyday, in using stem cells to treat a variety of medical conditions. In many Western European countries similar advances are being made.
On April 29, 2010, Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN reported on the use of Stem cells, by Emory University, to treat ALS. This is a phase one trial but similar trials can be found on almost every disease and condition, ranging from neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, to anti aging. One might say but that is a controlled trial. True, but the efficacy and the potential therapeutic value of stem cells are undeniable. Therefore to a patient who only has a few months to live it is worth it, to try. Whether the person performing the treatment is qualified or not should not bring the efficacy of stem cell treatment under question.
I’m willing to put this statement next to the statement made on 60 Minutes:
“In the next ten years we’ll have wide spread use of varying types of stem cells to treat many diseases that are considered untreatable today.”
Dr. Casey Nabavi