Stem Cells for COPD

The seemingly miraculous recovery of a patient receiving stem cells for COPD at the XCell Center in Germany last year gave hope to thousands of people around the world suffering from this respiratory disease. The subsequent closure of the XCell Center left many confused however, with some already lined up to receive the stem cell therapy when the doors to the clinic were locked and patients’ request for information ignored. The anecdotal evidence of success treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with stem cells appears to support further investigation but there have not been any clinical trials thus far that can give potential recipients of stem cell therapy for COPD confidence in the procedure.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory condition that can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life by leaving them out of breath at even the smallest exertion. A diagnosis of COPD may be received after many months or even years of being told that the symptoms are due to allergies, asthma, recurrent chest infections and other ailments. Many COPD patients find their movements restricted as they need urgent access to breathing equipment and suppmentary oxygen. Pneumonia and chest infections are a common occurrence in the condition and the extra stress placed by COPD on the respiratory system may result in an enlarged heart in some patients.

Treating COPD

Patients with COPD are likely to be treated with antibiotics for respiratory infections and pneumonia as well as a variety of medications such as inhalers and steroids to help to keep the airways open. Supplemental oxygen is often needed and this can restrict patients’ activities considerably. The side-effects of medications such as steroids can, in the long-term, worsen the condition by leading to weight gain putting extra pressure on the heart and chest and also affecting blood sugar regulation and inflammation in the body. Patients are usually placed in the care of a pulmonologist to help manage the condition. Recent research into lung stem cells may, however, elucidate the risks and benefits of stem cell treatments for the chronic condition and fast-track the development of stem cell therapy for COPD.