Stem Cell Treatment Empowers Paralysis Patient to Regain Movement After Car Accident
Orange County, CA - September 20th 2017 - While driving through the night in Bakersfield, California, Kristopher Boesen suffered a major car accident due to poor road conditions leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. However, after participating in a clinical trial with the University of Southern California and Asterias Biotherapeutics, he has regained mobility in his upper body allowing movement of his arms and hands. Boesen is one of five previously paralyzed patients who have regained maneuverability of limbs thanks to the trial.
The surgical team was led by Charles Liu, MD, PhD, director of the USC Neurorestoration Center. The USC surgical team worked in collaboration with the Rancho Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and Keck Medicine of USC. The trial’s process consisted of injecting an experimental dose of ten million AST-OPC1 cells directly into Boesen’s cervical spinal cord.
Dr. Liu explained that patients with spinal cord injuries normally endure surgery to stabilize the spine, but restoration of motor or sensory function is minimally impacted. “With this study, we are testing a procedure that may improve neurological function, which could mean the difference between being permanently paralyzed and being able to use one’s arms and hands. Restoring that level of function could significantly improve the daily lives of patients with severe spinal injuries.”
Within two weeks of completing the procedure, Boesen showed signs of improvement. After a period of three months, he assumed relative independence by administering acts of self-care such as brushing his teeth and feeding himself. Furthermore, he was able to operate a motorized wheelchair, use a cell phone, and hug his family. This change in mobility was the difference between maintaining personal dignity and total dependence on one’s family and peers. Dr. Liu noted that Boesen regained two spinal cord levels attributing to the recovered movement of his upper body.
The AST-OPC1 cells used in Boesen’s procedure are currently being developed at California-based Asterias Biotherapeutics. It is here that researchers convert embryonic cells into those generally found in the brain and spinal cord for functional i support of nerve cell operation. Prospective trials are being conducted to test the safety of injecting higher doses of AST-OPC1 cells into the body.
“I am very encouraged by this first look at efficacy data for AST-OPC1 in complete cervical spinal cord injury patients,” commented Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “As a clinical investigator in the trial, I am looking forward to continuing the evaluation of this promising new treatment in these patients, for whom effective new therapeutic options are desperately needed. I am hopeful that we are able to see these early, positive efficacy trends continue as the study progresses.”
Doctors in Boeson’s case have not guaranteed his recovery will progress any further, but acknowledge stem cell research is continually progressing in its development and holds great promise for individuals living with severe spinal injuries.
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Stem Cell Treatment Empowers Paralysis Patient to Regain Movement After Car Accident Orange County, CA – September 20th 2017 – While driving through the night in Bakersfield, California, Kristopher Boesen suffered a major car accident due to poor road conditions leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. However, after participating in a clinical trial with the University […]