In this post I will discuss the effectiveness of stem cell treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. I will explain how this treatment works, and I will also explain how you can access this treatment through our center.
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks itself. The most prominent manifestations are pain, inflammation, swelling, and destruction of the joints. It has some effects on other organ systems as well. -
How Do Stem Cells Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Stem cells are “immunomodulatory” because they secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 receptor antagonist. These cytokines decrease the immune response that the body is using to attack its own joints. They also affect the functionality of the patient’s immune T cells. While many people think of stem cells as creating new tissue, that is not taking place here. Indeed almost all current stem cell research relies on the immunomodulatory (so-called “paracrine”) effect of substances that the stem cells secrete, rather than the stem cells becoming new tissue. -
Where Do The Stem Cells Come From?
Stem cells can come from you, in which case they are called autologous. These cells are always the safest, the most effective, and the least expensive. These are the only kinds of stem cells that we use. They can be obtained from bone marrow, fat, or other sources. Stem cells can also come from another person in which case they are called allogeneic. Both types have been found to be effective treating rheumatoid arthritis, although the autologous cells have seemed to work better. The stem cells that we use are all adult stem cells taken from the patient and are called mesenchymal stem cells. -
What Other Types of Inflammatory Arthritis Can Be Treated?
There is evidence of efficacy of treatment with mesenchymal stem cells for Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis as well as routine wear and tear osteoarthritis. -
How Effective Is Stem Cell Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
In a study just published in January 2019, nine patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis were treated with mesenchymal stem cells. Their clinical symptoms decreased and their regulatory T cells (which modulate the immune system) were substantially improved one year after treatment. Numerous other studies, both in animals and humans, have also shown efficacy. The effect is not permanent. We are conducting a study of this treatment, using this same treatment paradigm, to try to provide more information as to how long it lasts and how effective it is while it lasts. Treatment can be repeated when it begins to wear off. -
What About Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications?
Ideally, these are stopped during treatment. The drugs that fight rheumatoid arthritis also interfere with the beneficial effects of the stem cells. In addition, these drugs are quite toxic and every attempt is made to stop them or decrease them while treating with stem cells if possible. -
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes, it is very safe. While side effects are possible with any treatment, injection of autologous mesenchymal stem cells has proven to be extraordinarily safe. Side effects in the past have occurred from immunosuppression, but current techniques do not use immunosuppression. -
Is The Treatment Covered By Insurance?
Unfortunately, it is not, but the costs of treatment are much less than surgical joint replacement and much safer than treatment with immune system-suppressing drugs. -
How Can You Find Out More About Treatment?
Call us at 847 699-6810 ext. 207 and speak with Sue Finkle, RN. We see patients in Glenview, Chicago, and Naples, Florida.
