Spinal cord injury patient able to walk after stem cell treatment

Biologics

A man who was paralyzed seven years ago can walk and stand on his own after taking part in a stem cell study at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic, ABC News reported April 1.

Chris Barr was in a study that collected stem cells from his stomach fat, expanded in a lab and injected into his lumbar spine. Mr. Barr was paralyzed seven years ago and underwent stem cell treatment for five years.

He was the first of 10 patients in Mayo Clinic's study on stem cell therapy in spinal cord injuries. Of the 10 patients, seven had increased strength in muscle motor groups and increased sensation to light touch and pinpricks. Three patients didn't have any response to the stem cell treatment.

But the trial does highlight the potential of stem cell treatment in spinal cord injuries. There were no adverse effects reported after stem cell treatment, and the most commonly reported side effects were musculoskeletal pain and headaches, according to Mayo Clinic.

"For years, treatment of spinal cord injury has been limited to supportive care, more specifically stabilization surgery and physical therapy," neurosurgeon Mohamad Bydon, MD, the study's first author said in a news release. "Many historical textbooks state that this condition does not improve. In recent years, we have seen findings from the medical and scientific community that challenge prior assumptions. This research is a step forward toward the ultimate goal of improving treatments for patients."

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