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Its a shame that National Geographic has become part of a corporate empire that is not always consistent, to put it nicely, with data-based reality. Can NatGeo maintain its credibility and impact, when it is owned by a climate change denier (quoted for example as dissing folks as extreme greenies) who also has other verynon-scientificpriorities?

Theres been an increasing amount of discussion of the technology that could produce GM humans. This dialogue includes the new Hinxton Statement (my take on that here) and George Churchs quoted that Hinxton (which BTW did not call for a moratorium of any kind) was being too cautious nonetheless. Church is quoted:

seems weak on addressing why we should single out genome editing relative to other medicines that are potentially dangerous

Should we push pause, stop, or fast-forward on human genetic modification? asks Lisa Ikemoto.Is there a rewind or edit button too?

The NEJM published a new piece on stem cell clinics run amok and the lack of an effective FDA response. Sounds awfully familiar including the use of Wild West in the title, right? My gripe with these authors is that they didnt give credit where credit is due to those of us on the front lines of this battle and in particular to social media-based efforts to promote evidence-based medicine in the stem cell arena. Still, their message was on target.

Are men more likely to commit large-scale scientific fraud? Check out RetractionWatchs leaderboard.Of course the sheer number of retractions does not take into account the impact of any one or two given retractions that had a disproportionate toxic effect like the STAP pubs. Maybe another calculation to do is the # of citations to a retracted paper.

DrugMonkey talks about perceived scientific backstabbing.

The international stem cell policy and ethics think tank, the Hinxton Group, weighed in yesterday on heritable human genetic modification with a new policy statement.

The Hinxton statement is in many ways in agreement with the Baltimore, et al. Nature paper proposing a prudent path forward for human germline genetic modification, which came out of the Napa Meeting earlier this year.

However, while several of the Napa authors have now thrown their public support behind a clinical pause or moratorium on heritable human modification (e.g. Jennifer Doudnaas well asDavid Baltimore and Paul Berg in a later piece in the WSJ), Hinxton didnt explicitlyaddress either positively or negatively the question of a moratorium.

My initial reading of the Hinxton statement is that I mostly agree with it. In my own proposed ABCD planon human germline modification from earlier this year, however, I included at least a temporary clinical moratorium.

I also would have appreciated a more detailed risk-benefit analysis in the Hinxton statement. For instance, I didnt see a discussion of specific possible risks in their statement. Via myown risk-benefit analysis, I come to the conclusion that on the whole a temporary clinical moratorium has the potential for far more benefit than harm.

What would be the specific, possible benefits of a moratorium?

If the scientific community has united behind a moratorium on clinical use not only will that discourage rogue or potentially ill-advised stabs at clinical use, but also if a few such dangerous efforts proceed anyway (which is fairly likely) and come to public light, these unfortunate events will be placed in the appropriate context of the scientific community having a moratorium in place. Therefore, a moratorium both discourages premature and dangerous clinical use as well as putting potential future human gene editing clinical mishaps into the proper context for the pubic.

Another potential benefit of a moratorium is that it could discourage lawmakers from passing reactionary, overly restrictive legislation that bans both clinical applications and important in vitro research. It would give the politicians and the public the right sense that the scientific community is handling this situation with appropriate caution. If you dont think that a law on human germline modification is likely in the US, consider that conservative lawmakers have already proposed such a law be included as part of the pending appropriations bill and Congress a few months ago held a hearing on germline human modification.

Other benefits of a moratorium include that it would a) demonstrate to the public that the research community is capable of reaching consensus aboutimportant ethical issues and b) increase accountability within the research community. Any rogue researchers or clinicians who would violate the moratorium, even if it were not illegal for them to do so, would at least be subject to the disapproval and possible sanction of their professional peers or institutions. Without a moratorium in place, it is far less likely there would be these kinds of consequences.

What about risks to a clinical moratorium?The primary possible risk of a clinical moratorium is that it could, should human heritable genetic modification someday down the road be viewed as a wise course to pursue directly, impede clinical translation. This warrants discussion, but in my view the risk here is somewhat reduced by the possibility that continuing basic research develops a compelling case that a blanket clinical moratorium might no longer be needed.

The other risk here is that amoratorium on clinical use also might in theory discourage some potentially valuable pre-clinical research as well. In other words, some researchers may adopt the mindset that if they cannot get to their ultimate goal of making clinical impact, why do the preclinical studies? I expect that many researchers would instead go ahead and do the preclinical work with the expectation that a clinical moratorium could be lifted and in fact their own preclinical work might help build a case for moving beyond a moratorium.

I agreestrongly with Hinxton on the need for continuation of basic science on CRISPR and other gene editing technologies limited to the lab. In my view, we should have a nuanced policy though, whereby we support continuation of gene editing research in human cells and even in some cases human embryos in the lab under specific conditions (see again my ABCD plan for details), but in whichwe also put an unambiguous hold onclinical applications at this time.

In the absence of a framework that includes a clinical moratorium, we probably do not have the luxury of a reasonably long time frame (e.g. measured in a few years) for open discussionto sort things out carefully. To be clear, open and diverse discussion is crucial, but we just do not have a whole lot of time to do it as things stand today. Why? In the mean time absent a moratorium, I believe that some will go ahead and do clinical experiments on human germline editing. This would not only put individual research subjects at risk, but also pose dangers in terms of public trust and support to the wider scientific community. In a relatively permissive environment lacking a clinical moratorium, one or two instances of rogue researchers clinically using gene editing in a heritable manner could end up leading to a backlash in which even in vitro gene editing research is stymied.

Stemcentrx scientists working with targeted molecules that can kill some types of lung cancer. MIT Tech Review Image.

A stem cell biotech in the news this week was one thathad mostly flown under the radar previously.

Stemcentrx hasa focus on killing cancer stem cells as a novel approach to treating cancer. Antonio Regalado had a nice articleyesterday on the company. He reports that Stemcentrx has around a half a billion in funding. It is valued in the billions. These are very unusual figures for a stem cell biotech.

Stemcentrx isdeveloping novel cancer therapeutics such as antibodies that target cancer stem cells. Their development pipeline at least in part uses a model of serial xenograft tumor transplantation in mice.Cancer stem cells are also sometimes called tumor initiating cells (TIC). As a cancer stem cell researcher myself, I find Stemcentrx intriguing.

The company published an encouraging bit of preclinical data recently in Science Translational Medicinewith a team of authors including leading company scientist, Scott Dylla. In this paper the team presented evidence that they have a product in the form of a loaded antibody (conjugated to a toxin) against a molecule called DLL3 important to TIC biological function and survival. DLL3 is part of the Notch signaling pathway. Stay tuned tomorrow for my interview with Dr. Dylla.

They showed that this anti-DLL3 antibody,SC16LD6.5, exhibited anti-tumor activities in xenograft models of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors such as small cell lung cancer. The company also has a clinical trial ongoing but not currently recruiting using this drug, and they have another trial for ovarian cancer based on antibody targeting as well.

SC16LD6.5 also exhibited some degree of toxicity in rats and a non-human primate model so thats a possible issue moving forward, but the toxic effects were at least partially reversible and when youre dealing with a deadly disease some toxicity for treatment is kind of to be expected.

Can Stemcentrx survive and hopefully even thrive as a company selling products that kill cancer stem cells? Well have a clearer picture on this in a few years, but in general biotechs of this type in this arena have a high failure rate. We need to keep in mind the long, sobering path ahead between these kinds of preclinical result and getting an approved drug to patients.

At the same time, this team has the money and talent to potentially succeed, and again, theres that half a billion in funding, which all by itself makes this stem cell biotech noordinary company. Theres another unique thing going on here: famed tech investor Peter Thiel is one of the major funders of the company.

Those of us in the cancer stem cell field have long been engaged in the debate overwhether these special cells exist in specific solid tumors and their functions in tumorigenesis. I believe they are present and important in some, but not all of such tumors. The controversial nature of TICs in lung cancer specifically makes SC16LD6.5 a high-risk, high reward kind ofproduct.

More weapons against lung cancer will be of coursea good thing and targeting cancer stem cells is an innovative approach. The company isrecruiting for many positions including scientists so if you are interested take a look.

I hope Stemcentrx succeeds and I look forward to reading more of their work as the years go by.

The winner of the inaugural Ogawa-Yamanaka Prize is Dr. Masayo Takahashi, MD, PhD.

According to the Gladstone Institutepress release, Dr. Takahashi was awarded the prize for her trailblazing work leading the first clinical trial to use induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in humans.

The prize, including a $150,000 cash award, will be given at a ceremony next week at the Gladstone on September 16. If you are interested in listening in, you can register for the webcast here.

Dr. Takahashi started the first ever human clinical study using iPS cells, which is focused on treating of macular degeneration using retinal pigmented epithelial cells derived from human iPS cells.

Congratulations to Dr. Takahashi for the great and well-deserved honor of the Ogawa-Yamanaka Prize.

As readers of this blog likely recall, Dr. Takahashi received our blogsStem Cell Person of the Year Award last year in honor of her pioneering work and that included a $2,000 prize.

Otherpast winners of our Stem Cell Person of the Year Award have gone on to get additional awards too.

The 2013 Stem Cell Person of the Year, Dr. Elena Cattaneo, went on to win the ISSCR Public Service Award in 2014 along with colleagues.

And our 2012 Stem Cell Person of the Year Award winner, stellar patient advocateRoman Reed, went on in 2013 to receive the GPI Stem Cell Inspiration Award.

The more we can recognize the pioneers and outside-the-box thinkers in the stem cell field, the better.

I recently ran a poll on my blog about how the FDA is doing on handling stem cell clinics.

There is substantial debate in the stem cell arena about how the FDA handles stem cell clinics ranging from the view that the agency is far too strict to excessively lenient.

The results of the poll reflect a great deal of dissatisfaction with the job that the FDA is doing on stem cell clinics.

Only 9% of respondents felt that the FDA is currently do things just about right.

While the top 2 answers were polar extremes, by a large margin the top answer was that the FDA was much too lenient.

Although Internet polls of this kind are not scientific, they can reflect sentiments of a community.

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Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Blog | Building innovative ...

Uncategorized Comments Off on Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Blog | Building innovative … | September 12th, 2015

Published August 19, 2015

This image of the lab-grown brain is labeled to show identifiable structures: the cerebral hemisphere, the optic stalk and the cephalic flexure, a bend in the mid-brain region, all characteristic of the human fetal brain.(The Ohio State University)

Researchers at The Ohio State University were able to create a nearly complete human brain that matches the brain maturity of a 5-week-old fetus by using adult human skin cells.

The brain organoid is about the size of a pencil eraser and has an identifiable structure containing 99 percent of the genes present in the human fetal brain, according to a news release. Scientists say its the most complete human brain model yet developed.

It not only looks like the developing brain, its diverse cell types express nearly all genes like a brain, Rene Anand, a professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology at Ohio State, said in a news release. Weve struggled for a long time trying to solve complex brain disease problems that cause tremendous pain and suffering. The power of this brain model bodes very well for human health because it gives us better and more relevant options to test and develop therapeutics other than rodents.

Anand, who began his quest four years ago, studies the association between nicotinic receptors and central nervous system disorders. Hes hopeful that the lab-grown brain will provide ethical and more rapid and accurate testing of experimental drugs before the clinical trial stage.

In central nervous system diseases, this will enable studies of either underlying genetic susceptibility or purely environmental influences, or a combination, Anand said in the news release. Genomic science infers there are up to 600 genes that give rise to autism, but we are stuck there. Mathematical correlations and statistical methods are insufficient to in themselves identify causation. You need an experimental system you need a human brain.

Anand and his team built the model system in 15 weeks, using techniques to convert adult skin cells into pluripotent cells, which are immature cells that can be programmed to become any tissue in the body. They worked to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into cells that are designed to become neural tissue, according to the news release.

While the model lacks a vascular system, it does contain a spinal cord, all major regions of the brain, multiple cell types, signaling circuitry and a retina, according to the news release.

Anand reported on his research at the 2015 Military Health System Research Symposium.

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Researchers create lab-grown brain using human skin cells ...

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Researchers create lab-grown brain using human skin cells … | August 20th, 2015

Clara's Story

Clara had a severe heart attack in 2004. Before contacting us she had received adult stem cells from a company in Thailand - a process requiring at least a one week stay.

When she contacted Stemaid, she had just had an echocardiogram showing that her overall left ventricular ejection fraction was estimated to be 30 to 35%. She opted to receive one injection of 5 million Embryonic Stem Cells by Stemaid in November 2010. She arrived at 1pm and was done by 3pm the same day.

We received the following email from her in April 2011: I had an EKO last week and rate is 44%, up from the 33/35% it was before I received Stemaid's stem cells! . Are the stem cells still available and still as good?

The heart contains a small amount of stem cells, the cardiac stem cells, that are produced when there is a need for production of more heart cells or for an active replacement of damaged ones. These cardiac cells are produced in high quantity for about one week following an infarction, actively repairing the damaged areas of the heart.

However this high production stops after a week and the repair stops as well.

Initial studies showed that by introducing embryonic stem cells, the heart starts to repair again within minutes of their injection. More recent studies showed that the injection of embryonic stem cells actually triggers the production of cardiac stem cells for one week. Another week of active repair is offered each time that one receives embryonic stem cells.

If you have suffered from an infarction, we suggest a minimum of 3 injections of esc over the course of 3 weeks to get significant repair.

Some of the patients who have received Stemaid Embryonic Stem-Cells have agreed to be mentioned on our website so that we may illustrate the benefits of them.

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Heart Disease - Stemaid : Embryonic Stem-cells

Cardiac Stem Cells Comments Off on Heart Disease – Stemaid : Embryonic Stem-cells | August 1st, 2015

Date: 01 Aug 2015

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Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is a lipophilic diterpene purified from the Chinese herb Danshen, which exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Effect of TSA remains largely uninvestigated on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), which are widely used in cell-based therapy of bone diseases. In the present study, both ALP activity at day 7 and calcium content at day 24 were upregulated during the osteogenesis of mouse BM-MSCs treated with TSA (1 and 5M), demonstrating that it promoted the osteogenesis at both early and late stages. We found that TSA promoted osteogenesis and inhibited osteoclastogenesis, evident by RT-PCR analysis of osteogenic marker gene expressions. However, osteogenesis was inhibited by TSA at 20M. We further revealed that TSA (1 and 5M) upregulated BMP and Wnt signaling. Co-treatment with Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 or BMP inhibitor noggin significantly decreased the TSA-promoted osteogenesis, indicating that upregulation of BMP and Wnt signaling plays a significant role and contributes to the TSA-promoted osteogenesis. Of clinical interest, our study suggests TSA as a promising therapeutic strategy during implantation of BM-MSCs for a more effective treatment of bone diseases.

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Effects of Tanshinone IIA on osteogenic differentiation of ...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Effects of Tanshinone IIA on osteogenic differentiation of … | August 1st, 2015

You will have a low white blood cell count after your treatment. This means you are more at risk of getting an infection. You are likely to get an infection from the normally harmless bacteria we all have in our digestive systems and on our skin.

To stop this from happening your nurse may give you tablets called gut sterilisers (antibiotics) and mouthwashes. And they will encourage you to have a shower each day.

You are also at risk of infection from food. The nurses on the ward will tell you and your relatives about the food you can and can't eat. The rules vary from hospital to hospital but you may be told that

Your room will be thoroughly cleaned every day. Your visitors will be asked to wash their hands before they come into your room. They may also have to wear disposable gloves and aprons. Visitors with coughs and colds are not allowed. Some hospitals don't allow you to have plants or flowers in your room because bacteria and fungi can grow in the soil or water, and may cause infection.

Even with all these precautions, most people do get an infection at some point and need to have antibiotics. You can help yourself by trying to do your mouth care properly and getting up to shower and have your bed changed even on the days you don't feel too good.

After a transplant you will have lost immunity to diseases you were vaccinated against as a child. The team caring for you will advise you about the immunisations you need and when. You should only have inactivated immunisations and not live ones. To lower the risk of you getting any of these infections it is important that all your family have the flu vaccine and any children have all their immunisations.

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Side effects of bone marrow and stem cell transplants ...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Side effects of bone marrow and stem cell transplants … | July 23rd, 2015

Characterization of isolated human SHEDs and DPSCs for use in transplantation studies. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the SHEDs and DPSCs expressed a set of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers (i.e., CD90, CD73, and CD105), but not endothelial/hematopoietic markers (i.e., CD34, CD45, CD11b/c, and HLA-DR) (Table 1). Like human BMSCs, both the SHEDs and DPSCs exhibited adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation as described previously (refs. 16, 17, and data not shown). The majority of SHEDs and DPSCs coexpressed several neural lineage markers: nestin (neural stem cells), doublecortin (DCX; neuronal progenitor cells), III-tubulin (early neuronal cells), NeuN (mature neurons), GFAP (neural stem cells and astrocytes), S-100 (Schwann cells), and A2B5 and CNPase (oligodendrocyte progenitor cells), but not adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) or myelin basic protein (MBP) (mature oligodendrocytes) (Figure 1A and Table 1). This expression profile was confirmed by immunohistochemical analyses (Figure 1B).

Characterization of the SHEDs and DPSCs used for transplantation. (A) Flow cytometry analysis of the neural cell lineage markers expressed in SHEDs. Note that most of the SHEDs and DPSCs coexpressed neural stem and multiple progenitor markers, but not mature oligodendrocytes (APC and MBP). (B) Confocal images showing SHEDs coexpressed nestin, GFAP, and DCX. SHEDs also expressed markers for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (A2B5 and CNPase), but not for mature oligodendrocytes (APC and MBP). Scale bar: 10 m. (C) Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the expression of neurotrophic factors. Results are expressed as fold increase compared with the level expressed in skin fibroblasts. Data represent the average measurements for each cell type from 3 independent donors. This set of experiments was repeated twice and yielded similar results. Data represent the mean SEM. *P < 0.01 compared with BMSCs and fibroblasts (Fbs).

Flow cytometry of stem cells from humans

Next, we examined the expression of representative neurotrophic factors by real-time PCR. Both the SHEDs and DPSCs expressed glial cellderived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) at more than 3 to 5 times the levels expressed by skin-derived fibroblasts or BMSCs (Figure 1C).

We further characterized the transcriptomes of SHEDs and BMSCs by cDNA microarray analysis. This gene expression analysis revealed a 2.0-fold difference in the expression of 3,318 of 41,078 genes between SHEDs and BMSCs. Of these, 1,718 genes were expressed at higher levels in the SHEDs and 1,593 genes were expressed at lower levels (data not shown). The top 30 genes showing higher expression in the SHEDs were in the following ontology categories: extracellular and cell surface region, cell proliferation, and tissue/embryonic development (Table 2).

Functional gene classification in SHEDs versus BMSCs

SHEDs and DPSCs promoted locomotor recovery after SCI. To compare the neuroregenerative activities of human SHEDs and DPSCs with those of human BMSCs and human skin fibroblasts, we transplanted the cells into the completely transected SCs, as described in Methods, and evaluated locomotion recovery using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) (24). Remarkably, the animals that received SHEDs or DPSCs exhibited a significantly higher BBB score during the entire observation period, compared with BMSC-transplanted, fibroblast-transplanted, or PBS-injected control rats (Figure 2A). Importantly, their superior recoveries were evident soon after the operation, during the acute phase of SCI. After the recovery period (5 weeks after the operation), the rats that had received SHEDs were able to move 3 joints of hind limb coordinately and walk without weight support (P < 0.01; Supplemental Videos 1 and 2), while the BMSC- or fibroblast-transplanted rats exhibited only subtle movements of 12 joints. These results demonstrate that the transplantation of SHEDs or DPSCs during the acute phase of SCI significantly improved the recovery of hind limb locomotor function. Since the level of recovery was similar in the SHED- and DPSC-transplanted rats, we focused on the phenotypical examination of SHED-transplanted rats to elucidate how tooth-derived stem cells promoted the regeneration of the completely transected rat SC.

Engrafted SHEDs promote functional recovery of the completely transected SC. (A) Time course of functional recovery of hind limbs after complete transection of the SC. A total of 1 106 SHEDs, DPSCs, BMSCs, or fibroblasts were transplanted into the SCI immediately after transection. Data represent the mean SEM. **P < 0.001, *P < 0.01 compared with SCI models injected with PBS. (BD) Representative images (B and C) and quantification (D) of NF-Mpositive nerve fibers in sagittal sections of a completely transected SC, at 8 weeks after SCI. Dashed lines outline the SC. Insets are magnified images of boxed areas in B and C. (D) Nerve fiber quantification, representing the average of 3 experiments performed under the same conditions. The x axis indicates specific locations along the rostrocaudal axis of the SC (3 mm rostral and caudal to the epicenter), and y axis indicates the percentage of NF-Mpositive fibers compared with that of the sham-operated SCs at the ninth thoracic spinal vertebrate (Th9) level. Data represent the mean SEM. *P < 0.05 compared with SCI models injected with PBS. Scale bars: 100 m and inset 20 m (B) and 50 m (C). Asterisks in B and C indicate the epicenter of the lesion.

SHEDs regenerated the transected corticospinal tract and raphespinal serotonergic axons. To examine whether engrafted SHEDs affect the preservation of neurofilaments, we performed immunohistochemical analyses with an antineurofilament M (NF-M) mAb, 8 weeks after transection. Compared with the PBS-treated control SCs, the SHED-transplanted SCs exhibited greater preservation of NF-positive axons from 3 mm rostral to 3 mm caudal to the transected lesion site (Figure 2, B and C; asterisk indicates epicenter). The percentages of NF-positive axons in the epicenter of the SHED-transplanted and control SCs were 35.8% 13.0% and 8.7% 3.4%, respectively, relative to sham-treated SCs (Figure 2D).

Regeneration of both the corticospinal tract (CST) and the descending serotonergic raphespinal axons is important for the recovery of hind limb locomotor function in rat SCI. We therefore examined whether these axons had extended beyond the epicenter in the SHED-transplanted SCs. The CST axons were traced with the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), which was injected into the sensorimotor cortex. The serotonergic raphespinal axons were immunohistochemically detected by a mAb that specifically reacts with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]), which is synthesized within the brain stem. We found that both BDA- and 5-HTpositive fibers extended as far as 3 mm caudal to the epicenter in the SHED-transplanted but not the control group (Figures 3 and 4). Furthermore, some BDA- and 5-HTpositive boutons could be seen apposed to neurons in the caudal stump (Figure 3D and Figure 4C), suggesting that the regenerated axons had established new neural connections. Notably, although the number of descending axons extending beyond the epicenter was small, we observed many of them penetrating the scar tissue of the rostral stump (Figure 3A and Figure 4A). The percentages of 5-HTpositive axons of the SHED-transplanted SCs at 1 and 3 mm rostral to the epicenter were 58.9% 3.9% and 78.3% 7.4% relative to sham-treated SC, respectively (Figure 4D). These results demonstrate that the engrafted SHEDs promoted the recovery of hind limb locomotion via the preservation and regeneration of transected axons, even in the microenvironment of the damaged CNS.

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Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells Promote Locomotor ...

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells Promote Locomotor … | July 17th, 2015

General Information About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is any type of epithelial lung cancer other than small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common types of NSCLC are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, but there are several other types that occur less frequently, and all types can occur in unusual histologic variants. Although NSCLCs are associated with cigarette smoke, adenocarcinomas may be found in patients who have never smoked. As a class, NSCLCs are relatively insensitive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared with SCLC. Patients with resectable disease may be cured by surgery or surgery followed by chemotherapy. Local control can be achieved with radiation therapy in a large number of patients with unresectable disease, but cure is seen only in a small number of patients. Patients with locally advanced unresectable disease may achieve long-term survival with radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. Patients with advanced metastatic disease may achieve improved survival and palliation of symptoms with chemotherapy, targeted agents, and other supportive measures.

Estimated new cases and deaths from lung cancer (NSCLC and SCLC combined) in the United States in 2014:[1]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States.[1] The 5-year relative survival rate from 1995 to 2001 for patients with lung cancer was 15.7%. The 5-year relative survival rate varies markedly depending on the stage at diagnosis, from 49% to 16% to 2% for patients with local, regional, and distant stage disease, respectively.[2]

NSCLC arises from the epithelial cells of the lung of the central bronchi to terminal alveoli. The histological type of NSCLC correlates with site of origin, reflecting the variation in respiratory tract epithelium of the bronchi to alveoli. Squamous cell carcinoma usually starts near a central bronchus. Adenocarcinoma and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma usually originate in peripheral lung tissue.

Anatomy of the respiratory system.

Smoking-related lung carcinogenesis is a multistep process. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma have defined premalignant precursor lesions. Before becoming invasive, lung epithelium may undergo morphological changes that include the following:

Dysplasia and carcinoma in situ are considered the principal premalignant lesions because they are more likely to progress to invasive cancer and less likely to spontaneously regress.

In addition, after resection of a lung cancer, there is a 1% to 2% risk per patient per year that a second lung cancer will occur.[3]

NSCLC is a heterogeneous aggregate of histologies. The most common histologies include the following:

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Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment - National Cancer ...

Uncategorized Comments Off on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment – National Cancer … | July 11th, 2015

Are there stem cell therapies available for spinal cord injury?

To our knowledge, no stem cell therapy has received Health Canada or U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of spinal cord injury at this time. Patients who are researching their options may come across companies with Web sites or materials that say otherwise and offer fee-based stem cell treatments for curing this disease. Many of these claims are not supported by sound scientific evidence and patients considering these therapies are encouraged to review some of the links below before making crucial decisions about their treatment plan.

For the latest developments read our blog entrieshere.

For moreabout stem cell clinical trials for spinal cord injuryclick here. For printed version:http://goo.gl/ZpNLg)

The basis of using stem cells to treat spinal cord injury would be as a source of new cells and products that could prevent further spinal cord damage, restore nerve function, generate new nerve cells and guide the regrowth of severed nerve fibres. Stem cells have an unparalleled regenerative capacity with the flexibility to grow into hundreds of different cell types and make factors that can support a range of physiological functions. Researchers are evaluating which types of stem cells are the best for growing neurons and other support cells in the brain, and making factors that promote nerve function. They want to develop strategies that transplant the support cells that wrap myelin insulation around nerve fibres to conduct electrical signals. A steady supply of these cells grown from stem cells could be a tremendous asset for studies that are exploring how to restore nerve function across damaged spinal cords.

Two main strategies for using stem cells to treat spinal cord injury are being explored: exogenous and endogenous repair (exo meaning outside the body and endo meaning inside the body). In exogenous repair the required cells are first grown from stem cells in the laboratory and then transplanted into patients. In endogenous repair stem cells are transplanted into the patient and the outcome depends on the bodys ability to coax the stem cells to grow into the required cells. Either way, the goal is to use stem cells to improve nerve function. There are no existing therapies that are able to repair spinal cord injuries.

Many research teams around the globe are working to develop stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury. Their common goals are to identify which stem cells are best suited for the job, which signals will be able to coax them into becoming neurons or support cells, and which large scale lab methods are effective at ramping up the production of the required cells.

The discovery of neural stem cells in Canada in 1992 kindled great hope among that stem cells could someday be used to regenerate the damage caused by spinal cord injury. Until around 1998, it was believed that the brain could not repair itself by regenerating new neurons. We now know that patients who have partial lesions to the spinal cord do experience a degree of spontaneous recovery arising from the ability of the brain to reorganize new connections. These observations spurred researchers to test their theories in animal models of spinal cord injury, and the positive results have provided the proof of principle that stem cells can potentially improve function after spinal cord injury.

Stem cell research is continuing on a number of different avenues and some of the successful stops along the way have yielded early Phase 1and 2 clinical trials for spinal cord injury. These trials are very small, mostly testing the safety of putting adult stem cells into patients. The results should yield information about the viability of this kind of therapy, but further clinical trials will be required to answer the question of whether a stem cell therapy can improve nerve function. For patients, the answer to that question is still many years away.

A North American clinical trial is using adult neural stem cell injections to treat spinal cord injury. Find out morehere.

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Spinal Cord Injury | Canadian Stem Cell Foundation

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Spinal Cord Injury | Canadian Stem Cell Foundation | June 20th, 2015

I just found this on the web,

Stem cells in skin care...What does it really mean?

By Jeanette Jacknin M.D.

Dr Jacknin will be speaking about Cosmaceuticals at the upcoming 17th World Congress on Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine in Orlando, Florida, April 23-25, 2009.

Stem cells have recently become a huge buzzword in the skincare world. But what does this really mean? Skincare specialists are not using embryonic stem cells; it is impossible to incorporate live materials into a skincare product. Instead, companies are creating products with specialized peptides and enzymes or plant stem cells which, when applied topically on the surface, help protect the human skin stem cells from damage and deterioration or stimulate the skin's own stem cells. National Stem Cell was one of the few companies who actually incorporated into their skin care an enzyme secreted from human embryonic stem cells, but they are in the process of switching over to use non-embryonic stem cells from which to take the beneficial enzyme.

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, it can remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a skin cell. There are two types of stem cells, embryonic and adult.

Embryonic stem cells are exogenous in that they are harvested from outside sources, namely, fertilized human eggs. Once harvested, these pluripotent stem cells are grown in cell cultures and manipulated to generate specific cell types so they can be used to treat injury or disease.

Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult or multipotent stem cells are endogenous. They are present within our bodies and serve to maintain and repair the tissues in which they are found. Adult stem cells are found in many organs and tissues, including the skin. In fact, human skin is the largest repository of adult stem cells in the body. Skin stem cells reside in the basal layer of the epidermis where they remain dormant until they are activated by tissue injury or disease. 1

There is controversy surrounding the use of stem cells, as some experts say that any product that claims to affect the growth of stem cells or the replication process is potentially dangerous, as it may lead to out-of-control replication or mutation. Others object to using embryonic stem cells from an ethical point of view. Some researchers believe that the use of stem cell technology for a topical, anti-aging cosmetic trivializes other, more important medical research in this field.

The skin stem cells are found near hair follicles and sweat glands and lie dormant until they "receive" signals from the body to begin the repair mode. In skincare, the use of topical products stimulates the stem cell to split into two types of cells: a new, similar stem cell and a "daughter" cell, which is able to create almost every kind of new cell in a specialized system. This means that the stem cell can receive the message to create proteins, carbohydrates and lipids to help repair fine lines, wrinkles and restore and maintain firmness and elasticity.1

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Plant and fruit stem cells are in bloom as ingredients du jour in a new generation of anti-aging skin care products.

What exactly are stem cells? Stem cells are in all living things: plants, animals, and humans. Theyre the most basic type of cells, kind of like the raw materials from which all other cells are made. Stem cells are able to develop into many different kinds of cells and are able to divide and regenerate for extended periods of time, making them a potential treasure trove for regenerating the body. In the past decade, human stem cells have been the subject of a lot of debate. But scientists have recently found a way to tap the healing and rejuvenating benefits of stem cells without all the ethical baggage: extract them from plants and fruits.

What can plant stem cells do for skin? Skin cells grow and die at a surprisingly fast rate, turning over about every month. With constant assaults from free radicals, UV rays, environmental toxins, and debased nutrition, every time our skin cells turn over, they run the risk of damage and mutation. Plus, with age, stem cells become depleted and turnover rate slows down. The result? Visible aging, wrinkles, and less-than lustrous skin. Supplying the skin with a fresh batch of stem cells could potentially allow for the creation of new, younger-looking skin. Could scientists have found the fountain of youth?

Do plant stem cells actually work? It depends on whom you ask. Cosmetic companies tout compelling information about plant and fruit stem cells miracles. And some studies, albeit limited, show that plant and fruit stem cells have the ability to stimulate the growth of human stem cells and protect human stem cells from UV damage and oxidative stress that causes aging. In time, the hopeful science of stem cell research may become something tried and true. In the meantime, many of the natural formulas that tout plant and fruit stem cells are also loaded with skin-beneficial ingredients with demonstrated anti-aging effects such as antioxidant vitamin C, collagen-building peptides, and nourishing plant oilsthe whole of which may be more than the sum of their parts.

Check out these plant and fruit stem cell products that can renew and regenerate your skin:

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer contains a proprietary blend of fruit stem cells to repair DNA and encourage new cell growth along with its signature antioxidant-rich fruit juice base, vitamin C, and hydrating plant oils. 1.7 fl oz, $65, juicebeauty.com

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion is an ultra-deluxe formula infused with Swiss Red Grape stem cells to protect skins own stem cells, Swiss Snow Algae to activate longevity of cells, and an exclusive peptide to renew skin cells. 4 x 0.26 fl oz, $475, shoplaprairie.com

MyChelle Apple Brightening Serum combines PhytoCellTec apple stem cells to regenerate skin, and unique peptides to diminish sunspots as well as aid in UVA and UVB damage recovery. 1 fl oz, $44.30, mychelle.com

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Why are stem cells important?

Stem cells represent an exciting area in medicine because of their potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Some current therapies, such as bone marrow transplantation, already make use of stem cells and their potential for regeneration of damaged tissues. Other therapies are under investigation that involves transplanting stem cells into a damaged body part and directing them to grow and differentiate into healthy tissue.

During the early stages of embryonic development the cells remain relatively undifferentiated (immature) and appear to possess the ability to become, or differentiate, into almost any tissue within the body. For example, cells taken from one section of an embryo that might have become part of the eye can be transferred into another section of the embryo and could develop into blood, muscle, nerve, or liver cells.

Cells in the early embryonic stage are totipotent (see above) and can differentiate to become any type of body cell. After about seven days, the zygote forms a structure known as a blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells that eventually become the fetus, as well as trophoblastic tissue that eventually becomes the placenta. If cells are taken from the blastocyst at this stage, they are known as pluripotent, meaning that they have the capacity to become many different types of human cell. Cells at this stage are often referred to as blastocyst embryonic stem cells. When any type of embryonic stem cells is grown in culture in the laboratory, they can divide and grow indefinitely. These cells are then known as embryonic stem cell lines.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 1/23/2014

Stem Cells - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with stem cells.

Stem Cells - Umbilical Cord Question: Have you had your child's umbilical cord blood banked? Please share your experience.

Stem Cells - Available Therapies Question: Did you or someone you know have stem cell therapy? Please discuss your experience.

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Platelet Rich Plasma Injections For Chronic Pain Relief May Help You Avoid Sugery
http://ColumbiaPain.org (541) 716-6469 Dr David Russo with Columbia Pain Management talks about the use of platelet rich plasma injections for chronic pain relief. Stem Cell Therapy can...

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Between anti-aging ingredients that are worshipped (retinol) to the ones that are obscure (bee venom), figuring out which ingredient will kick Father Times ass is enough to give you wrinkles. And now skin-care manufacturers have added another anti-aging contender: stem cells.

Medical researchers have long studied the ability of stem cells, which can regenerate and form almost any cell type in the body, to treat numerous chronic diseases. Now skin-care brands like Lifeline and Origins are hoping that stem cells can deliver the powerful results in the cosmetics industry that they have in medicine. But are they worth the hype? Here are five facts you should know about stem cells before you spend a dime.

1. Skin care contains either plant or human stem cells. In the case of Lifeline, human stem cells are derived from unfertilized eggs (so, youre not putting human embryo on your face).

2. Plant and human cells actually operate in comparable ways. There are similarities in the way stem cells function in both plants and animals to sustain growth and repair tissues, says Jeanette Jacknin, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego and author of Smart Medicine for Your Skin. To perform their functions, stem cells, unlike other cells, are able to produce copies of themselves over long periods of time.

3. Stem cells contain two key components: growth factors, which play a role in cell division, the growth of new cells, and the production of collagen and elastin; and proteins, which regulate that stem-cell division. When applied to your skin, these two components help firm wrinkles and slow the development of new lines.

4. Theres no definitive call on how well plant stem cells work. While theres evidence that human stem cells, when harnessed with growth factors, stimulate epidermal stem cells to thicken the skin, which leads to tightening, theres no scientific evidence that plant-stem-cell growth factors work in the same way, says Ronald L. Moy, MD, cosmetic and plastic surgeon in Los Angeles and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology. After all, how could a plant cell have any effect on human skin? But plant stem cells still have benefits. Products that contain antioxidant-rich fruits or plants as a source still offer free-radical-fighting benefits.

5. The amount of stem cells in the product matters. Dont get suckered into spending a fortune simply because a product says stem-cell derived on the front label. Check the ingredient list on the back label to see how much of the active ingredients are in the product, Dr. Jacknin says. Stem cells should be listed first on the ingredient label; if theyre listed last, that indicates the product contains such a small percentage that the effect is likely to be minimal.

Tell us: Would you try stem cell skin care? Or are you weirded out by it?

xx, The FabFitFun Team

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Clinical Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy has made medical breakthroughs. Watch to see the clinical benefits of stem cell therapy.

By: Norgen Healthcare International

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BioLife Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLFS), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary clinical grade hypothermic storage and cryopreservation freeze media and precision thermal shipping products for cells and tissues (BioLife or the Company), today announced that Cardio3 BioSciences, a leader in engineered cell therapy with clinical programs initially targeting indications in cardiovascular disease and oncology, has embedded the Companys clinical grade CryoStor cryopreservation freeze media in its ongoing Congestive Heart Failure Cardiopoietic Regenerative Therapy (CHART-1) phase III clinical trial in Europe and Israel and the pending CHART-2 phase III clinical trial to be conducted in the United States.

CHART-1 (Congestive Heart Failure Cardiopoietic Regenerative Therapy) is a patient prospective, controlled multi-centre, randomized, double-blinded Phase III clinical trial comparing treatment with C-Cure to a sham treatment. The trial has recruited 240 patients with chronic advanced symptomatic heart failure. The primary endpoint of the trial is a composite endpoint including mortality, morbidity, quality of life, Six Minute Walk Test and left ventricular structure and function at nine months post-procedure.

Dr. Christian Homsy, CEO of Cardio3 BioSciences, commented on the selection of CryoStor by stating, We evaluated several possible freeze media formulations for our clinical cell therapy product development and manufacturing. CryoStor and BioLife best met our preservation efficacy, product and supplier quality, and customer support requirements.

As of January 2015, BioLife management estimates that the Companys CryoStor freeze media and HypoThermosol cell and tissue storage/shipping media have been incorporated into at least 175 customer clinical trials of novel cellular immunotherapies and other cell-based approaches for treating and possibly curing the leading causes of death and disorders throughout the world. Within the cellular immunotherapy segment of the regenerative medicine market, BioLife's products are embedded in the manufacturing, storage, and delivery processes of at least 75 clinical trials of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), T cell receptor (TCR), dendritic cell (DC), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and other T cell-based cellular therapeutics targeting solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and other diseases and disorders. A large majority of the currently active private and publicly traded cellular immunotherapy companies are BioLife customers.

Mike Rice, BioLife Solutions CEO, remarked; We are honored to be able to supply our clinical grade CryoStor cell freeze media for Cardio3 Biosciences phase III clinical trials. Congestive heart failure is a leading cause of death and C-Cure is a novel and potentially life-saving, cell-based therapy that offers hope to millions of patients throughout the world. We are very well positioned to participate in the growth of the regenerative medicine market, with our products being used in at least 75 phase II and over 20 phase III clinical trials of new cell and tissue based products and therapies.

About Cardio3 Biosciences Cardio3 BioSciences is a leader in engineered cell therapy with clinical programs initially targeting indications in cardiovascular disease and oncology. Founded in 2007 and based in the Walloon region of Belgium, Cardio3 BioSciences leverages research collaborations in the USA with the Mayo Clinic (MN, USA) and Dartmouth College (NH, USA). The Companys lead product candidate in cardiology is C-Cure, an autologous stem cell therapy for the treatment of ischemic heart failure. The Companys lead product candidate in oncology is CAR- NKG2D, an autologous CAR T-cell product candidate using NKG2D, a natural killer cell receptor designed to target ligands present on multiple tumor types, including ovarian, bladder, breast, lung and liver cancers, as well as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Cardio3 BioSciences is also developing medical devices for enhancing the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents into the heart (CCath) and potentially for the treatment of mitral valve defects. Cardio3 BioSciences shares are listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol CARD. To learn more about Cardio3 BioSciences, please visit c3bs.com

About C-Cure Cardio3 BioSciences C-Cure therapy involves taking stem cells from a patients own bone marrow and through a proprietary process called Cardiopoiesis, re-programming those cells to become heart cells. The cells, known as cardiopoietic cells, are then injected back into the patients heart through a minimally invasive procedure, with the aim of repairing damaged tissue and improving heart function and patient clinical outcomes. C-Cure is the outcome of multiple years of research conducted at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, USA), Cardio3 BioSciences (Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium) and Cardiovascular Centre in Aalst (Aalst, Belgium). C-Cure is currently in Phase III clinical trials (CHART-1, approved by the EMA and CHART-2, for which enrollment will begin once final approval is received from FDA). The results of the Phase II trial, completed in January 2012, were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) in April 2013. The publication reported a significant improvement in treated patients.

About BioLife Solutions BioLife Solutions develops, manufactures and markets hypothermic storage and cryopreservation solutions and precision thermal shipping products for cells, tissues, and organs. BioLife also performs contract aseptic media formulation, fill, and finish services. The Companys proprietary HypoThermosol and CryoStor biopreservation media products are highly valued in the biobanking, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine markets. BioLifes proprietary products are serum-free and protein-free, fully defined, and are formulated to reduce preservation-induced cell damage and death. This enabling technology provides commercial companies and clinical researchers significant improvement in shelf life and post-preservation viability and function of cells, tissues, and organs. For more information please visit http://www.biolifesolutions.com, and follow BioLife on Twitter.

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Stem Cell Therapy For Pain - Columbia Pain Management, Hood River OR
http://regenerativepaintherapy.com/ (541) 716-6469 Dr David Russo with Columbia Pain Management in Hood River, OR. announces a new treatment for acute and chronic pain. Using the Regenexx...

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U.S. Stem Cell Clinic: How is Stem Cell Therapy Performed?
Our U.S. Stem Cell Clinic will perform outpatient procedures using a process in which we isolate a patient #39;s own stem cells from either their own adipose fat tissue or bone marrow. Approximately...

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U.S. Stem Cell Clinic: When should I expect to see results?
It is important to note that we are treating patients with their own adult stem cells, therefore each treatment and response is unique to that patient. No guarantee can be made of what results...

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Stem Cell Therapy for Pain - Now Available at Columbia Pain Management
http://regenerativepaintherapy.com Call: 541-716-6469 Columbia Pain Management Can Help You Get Your Life Back. Stem Cell Therapy for Pain - Now Available at Columbia Pain Management.

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With no match in the family, his doctors in Ahmedabad started scrounging for random donors across India. There are only four voluntary marrow donor registries in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

Two years ago, 15-year-old blood cancer patient Bhargav Gajipara's parents were a worried lot. Doctors had given up all hope for his cure as no medicines would work on the cancer. The last resort, they said, was a bone marrow transplant. Bhargav was suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a condition in which cancerous white blood cells (WBCs) get generated in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood stream. Even as Bhargav had fever and bleeding, his search for a bone marrow match within his family failed. The chances of a bone marrow transplant for him looked bleak until May in 2013.

With no match in the family, his doctors in Ahmedabad started scrounging for random donors across India. There are only four voluntary marrow donor registries in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

Life suddenly changed for Bhargav in July, when his bone marrow matched with hundred percent accuracy with that of 26-year-old media professional Sachin Mampatta of Mumbai. The chance of finding a random bone marrow donor match are one in over 10,000.

On Tuesday, Bhargav and Sachin met one year after the latter donated his marrow to the patient. Sachin had incidentally pledged his marrow around the same time when the request for procuring Bhargav's match was put in by doctors. "I became aware that people can pledge their marrow when I attended a marrow donor drive at Matunga. The doctors took a swab from my inner cheek and genetically typed it. A few months later I received a call asking if I would be in a position to donate my marrow to Bhargav. I readily agreed," said Sachin.

"Sachin's blood was taken and his stem cells were extracted from the bloodstream. The 220 ml of stem cell component was transported to the Ahmedabad-based hospital where Bhargava was admitted," said Raghu Rajagopal, CEO, Datri Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry.

The doctors administered injections to destroy all the WBCs in Bhargav's blood and transfused Sachin's stem cells in Bhargav's blood. Soon, his blood was free of cancerous cells.

Ashok spent Rs 25 lakhs for Bhargav's bone marrow transplant procedure and raised money by selling his ancestral land in Rajkot.

Datri has 80,000 voluntary donors who have pledged their marrow since 2009. But the demand for marrow is very high. Up to one lakh people get blood cancer every year, a sizeable chunk of whom can be cured only through bone marrow transplant. "We have up to 2,500 patients on list, waiting to receive bone marrow, but have not been able to find a match for them. We get 15-20 patients every day who enroll for want of marrow. Many patients die on waiting list. More Indians need to come up and pledge their bone marrow," said Rajagopal.

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A bone marrow transplant made them blood brothers

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