Stem Cell Treatment for Asthma/COPD/Pulmonary Fibrosis

Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by chronic airway inflammation resulting in obstructive pulmonary symptoms. In preclinical studies, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated the ability to ameliorate the symptoms and immunologic pathways seen in asthma. Due to the known relationship between asthma and the hyper-responsive immune cascade, we hypothesized that MSCs could be an effective treatment option for patients with asthma due to their significant immunomodulatory properties.

Protocol: 

The treatment for COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis consists of a simple intravenous infusion of umbilical cord mesenchymal (NOT fetal/embryonic) stem cells.

Case Report:

We have seen success in treating all of these lung disorders with stem cell treatment. We are the first center to report successful treatment of an asthmatic patient with stem cells. A 68-year-old male with a longstanding history of asthma requested mesenchymal stem cell treatment for his persistent asthma symptoms. Cultured umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells were infused intravenously at a dose of 100 million cells over a period of 40 minutes. Post-treatment follow-up was performed after two and six months. The patient had no adverse events or complications related to treatment. In the two months posttreatment, his usage of a rescue inhaler decreased to 1 time per month, over 90% reduction. In addition, he had a 70% reduction in nebulizer usage. Improvement was sustained in the 6-month follow-up.