To Be Had in China: Stem Cell Therapy
A Bolivar, Missouri, mother is planning to take her 10-year-old autistic son to China for an umbilical stem cell transplant that has enabled another Missouri child, Rylea Bartlett, to react to light. Kimberly Anderson’s son, Autisn, also has an underdeveloped optic nerve; CBS News reports that the stem cells are “thought to be more versatile than adult stem cells to rewire the optic nerve.” Other families have taken their autistic children to China for injections with stem cells at a cost of $10,000 (noted in a July 12th post). Notes CBS News:
Rylea’s progress gives them hope. They’ve started raising money in hopes of sending austin over there soon.
The trip wasn’t cheap. Rylea’s cost about $40,000 and Rylea will probably need to go back for more treatments.
The procedure hasn’t been approved in the U.S.
I am hoping to take Charlie to China someday—maybe to visit the villages where my grandparents are from—but I think not for any “treatments.”
6 opinions for To Be Had in China: Stem Cell Therapy
Kassiane
Oct 26, 2007 at 9:08 pm
…the same china with the so called plumes of toxic smoke causing the so called autism epidemic?
The so called epidemic they can now supposedly cure?
Why havent the conspiracy theorists jumped on this yet?
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 26, 2007 at 10:34 pm
It’s a “treatment” instead…….
Regan
Oct 26, 2007 at 11:51 pm
I think the difference is what they are hoping to treat. If it’s for autism, I am skeptical. If it is for the blindness, stem cells could be more promising, however I do not know whether this particular clinic in China has a legitimate track record.
If I recall an old BBC story correctly, the clinical trials in the UK aren’t scheduled to start until 2008, based on preliminary success in remediating certain kinds of blindness in mice and rats.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 27, 2007 at 12:28 am
I thought the article less than clear about why Anderson is seeking the stem cell therapy treatment for her son—thanks for the mention of the BBC story.
Vicki
May 29, 2008 at 2:05 pm
My son and I just returned from China where he received 5 stem cell transplants (umbilical cord). Before the injections his feet were paralized and he was taking medication for bladdar control. As a result of stem cell injections, he is no longer needs medication and he has gotten movement in both feet and sensation in one foot much stronger as sensation is continuing to improve in the other foot. It’s regenerative and continues. Stem cells work! Come on USA, let’s get this treatment here so that others may experience a better quality of life! All can receive their miracle!
Kristina Chew, PhD
May 29, 2008 at 4:51 pm
@Vicki,
That sounds great—-hope it is all right to ask, but were you seeking stem cell therapy for autism or for another condition? Hope your son continues to do well.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: