PBS Innovation: Miracle Cell
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman
Director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Stem Cell Recipient and Series Producer
Wednesday, April 14, 2004; 1:00 p.m ET
PBS Innovation's "Miracle Cell" investigates the emerging field of stem cell research and "regenerative medicine" and explores the possibility that these cells can provide the elusive cures for heart attack victims, diabetes sufferers, diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries and more.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and series associate producer Erin Chapman will be online Wednesday, April 14 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the documentary.
Submit your questions and comments before or during the show.
Dr. Steven Hinderer is the director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan at the Detroit Medical Center. Veron is a paraplegic and a young mother of three from Texas. Innovation's "Miracle Cell" tracks her recovery process after receiving stem cell treatment in Portugal.
Lipworth is the series producer for Thirteen's new technology series, "Innovation." He served as series producer for the Emmy-nominated "Secrets of the Dead III" and coordinating producer for all of the department's projects, including "Warrior Challenge," "Secrets of the Pharaohs," "Frontier House," the Emmy Award-winning "Secret Life of the Brain," "Echoes from the White House," and "Savage Planet."
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Hi Everyone,
We're so pleased that you're joining us today for the Innovation - "Miracle Cell" webchat. Last night's broadcast generated quite a response from viewers and we look forward to answering your questions. --EC
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Tonganoxie, Kan.:
Will this program air in full when the president is done with his speech? We have a son who was recently injured in an auto accident 12/12/2003 and he is left paralized from the chest down. He is three...we are looking to find a cure...would you consider doing this procedure on him?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Many PBS stations did air this program in full last evening, however for all of you who missed the episode in its entirety, we are working with PBS to re-schedule a broadcast date in the near future. As always, check your local listings, call your local PBS station or check online at www.pbs.org.
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Hollywood, Calif. from Hanover, N.H.:
To Joy Veron:
-Ms. Veron, how did you discover the work Dr.
Carlos Lima was doing, and how did you finally
get selected to have him work with?
I read about olfactory tissue of rats being used for
spinalcord injury repair only less than a year ago,
and the article stated it would be many years
before this percedure would actualize. I wish you
the very very best success, you are in my prayers.
FYI - I have recently paralyzed my right arm, torn
out 3 nerves from my spinal cord with no hope of
repair.
Wonderful program as well!!!
Thank You,
Christopher
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I first heard about Dr. Lima from a friend in England. I then found out he was coming to the U.S. and was able to set up a meeting with him in Alabama. I then had to have different test performed to see if I qualified for the surgery. I first met Dr. Lima in November of 2002 and then had the surgery in July of 2003. Hopefully the United States will approve this surgery so we won't have to go to other countries to have it done.
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Bourbonnais, Ill.:
My question is for Joy Vernon-
We have a friend who suffered a spinal cord injury from an epidural during the birth of her second daughter almost 4 years ago. As you know, it has been a highly emotional and stressful situation for herself and her family. Your story hit close to home and we were wondering if you might be interested in corresponding with her? We have not even brought this up to her yet. She resides in Connecticut, but is in St. Louis for the month undergoing some intensive therapy. We think having the opportunity to speak to another young mother who as seen such positive results from this therapy would be inspirational for her. If you would be interested in contacting her, please let me know and I will forward her e-mail address to you after speaking with her.
Sincerely,
Mary & Jodi
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I would love to correspond with your friend. It helps so much to be able to talk to someone that truly knows what you are going through. Spinal cord injury affects not just the person, but it ripples down to family members and friends. It is hard for everyone, but I have found it helpful to talk to others that have suffered a spinal cord injury. Please send me her email and I will write her. Thanks! JV
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Near Philadelphia, Pa.:
How can we contact Jared Lipworth by e-mail or regular mail?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Hi. Jared Lipworth can be reached at:
Thirteen/WNET New York
450 W. 33rd St.
New York, NY 10001
EC
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Near Philadelphia, Pa.:
Since stem cell treatment was allowed for the heart injury boy (Demetri), shouldn't it be allowed or legal for spinal cord victims as well?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: There are studies being done to make this possible in the United States. Hopefully it will be soon! JV
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Deer Park, N.Y. :
I have a 13 year-old daughter that is a Quad from a MVA when she was 4. Are any procedures or any research being done on minors?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I am not aware of any children who are recipients of operations that are currently being offered and to my knowledge, there are no specific studies being done on minors. - Dr. H
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Saginaw, Mich.:
Dr Hinderer,
When can the nose stem cells be harvesed and injected in this state? Can any paraplegic benefit from this project?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: We don't know for sure and we have to get approval from the FDA to begin doing the surgery and a reasonable estimate is two years to get that approval. Not everyone can benefit from each of the procedures and it really depends on the type of surgery as to what each patient can benefit. - Dr. H.
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JonesBoro, Ga.:
Hi my name is Jamal and I have a T8 asia b spinalcord injury from a gun shot to the T11 pedicle with a laminal frature. AND I wanted to know if the stem cell could work on some one like me. I have walking braces that I use evry day for at least 2 hours a day and it feels like electricity is running down my legs. I have been working in my braces for 2 years. Thank You.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Everyone's injury is different, so some will benefit more than others. Dr. Lima would need to evaluate your MRI and other test before an assessment could be made. It is great that you are continuing to work out!
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Salt Lake City, Utah:
Dr. Hinderer,
Has any stem cell therapy as shown on the PBS program with regard to re-myelination in MS patients been performed?
I am 63 years of age and was diagnosed with MS in the winter of 1994-95. I am taking beta-seron injections subcutanously every other day. MRIs show continued increase of plaque formations in the brain and spinal areas.
I am completely ambulatory at this time and find the biggest problem to be fatigue.
I am willing to submit myself to any trial programs that you or others may consider in the future, here or in Europe.
Sincerely,
Bill
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: The only person who has done a surgical procedure on MS patients using fetal OEC is Dr. Huang in Beijing, China. We don't know what the results of those surgeries are because there are no public studies or reports of the results. - Dr. H.
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Detroit, Mich.:
Can I be a part of your research? I have degenerative disk disease and just live up the street. Thank-you.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Unfortunately this treatment would not be effective for degenerative disk disease. However, you still might want to make an appointment to the hospital for doctors who would treat your problem. - Dr. H.
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Orange, N.J.:
I am a 35 years old c5-c6 quad. April 27 will be 4 years since my incident. Is it too late to get the stem cell operation? Are they doing this operation her in the states?
I am still a young lady and have no kids.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: They are not doing the operation here in the United States yet. I know there is research being done to try and get it approved. I don't believe 4 years is too late, as I had surgery over 3 years post injury. I am also 35 years old.
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Minneapolis, MN:
Is anyone examining how to nutritional support the new stem cells through the patient taking specific supplements or foods that could be key to their optimal health and production?
Nancy
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I am taking specific vitamins to promote healthy cells.
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Jackson, Miss.:
My SCI is more than 9 years out. Does that have any bearing on whether I would be a good candidate or not?
Also, how can "we" follow the recipiants who have already had the surgery to determine if a year to a year and a half down the road, they feel that the benefits outweigh any negatives that may arise such as increased pain, but no "good" sensations?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Well, the answer is that if someone is that many years out, they would not be a good candidate for the procedure at this point and time. You might qualify for the procedure in Beijing. The whole purpose of our center is to find out if patients do benefit and those benefits continue for an extended period. But at this point we can't say one way or the other.
-Dr. H
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Washington DC:
Some of the fuss over embryonic stem cells reminds me of the fears molecular biology and gene therapy engendered years ago, to the point where recombinant DNA was declared biohazardous. Of course, most of those fears have not been realized, and molecular biology is an accepted tool in biomedical research.
However, much of the furor is about Americans' ambivalence to abortion. It's odd to think that a woman can choose to abort her fetus, or dispose of fertilized embryos, but it's somehow wrong to donate these same embryose to scientific research. Apparently there is this idea that some unscrupulous scientists will do all sorts of heinous things with the cells.
Do you think unifying and putting more "teeth" into the various bioethics panels will alleviate some of this concern? Right now it's my understanding (from working in research) that such panels are advisory only, and only treat with federally funded research. What controls do private researchers have to contend with, except for the laws that have been enacted? We've already heard of sensationalist cloning rumors in the media, which can only hurt the stem cell cause.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Erin here - It's difficult for me to speak to the medical issues you raise in this question, but I think you would be interested to know how supportive Americans are of stem cell research and harvesting. Innovation recently conducted a public opinion poll to aid our producers in determining future program topics and provide information on public attitudes about technology.
One of the most surprising findings that resulted was that almost 75 percent of Americans feel that harvesting human embryonic stem cells to treat diseases and injuries is beneficial to society. Almost 90 percent said that harvesting stem cells from the patient's own body (or regenerative therapy) to treat diseases and injuries is beneficial to society.
By presenting the stories in last night's episode, we hope to engender a more informed public discussion about stem cell technology and its potential future role in medical therapy.
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Houston, Tex.:
I have a 6 year old daughter who was parazlyed from the neck down in an automobile accident October 2003. My question is, what is time ideal time frame for a stem cell transplant? Would someone like her be a good candidate for this procedure? Where is this type of therapy being done?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: The earliest anyone should have surgery is at least six months after the injury to allow natural recovery the opportunity to occur. Again, I don't know of any procedures being done on children at this time. - Dr. H
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Bethesda, Md.:
Good Afternoon. My husband suffered a traumatic brain injury 8 years ago as the result of a motorcycle accident. It left him with a memory impairment - anterograde amnesia -- which, while amusing in the movies -- makes life difficult and prevents him from working (along with a seizure disorder caused by the injury).
Is there hope that the research on stem cells could help restore his memory someday? Also, if we were to have a child, would there be a benefit in saving the cord blood in the event the stem cells could be used in the future?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Dr. H: At this point the technology in what we are involved with have not been applied to traumatic brain injury so I have no idea if and when this will be applicable to traumatic brain injury. Certainly saving the cord blood would be a smart thing to do but I can't say for sure that it would be usable to help your husband in the future.
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Vienna, VA:
Joy,
You have an amazing story. Please tell us something about your exercise regimen. What do you do, how often? Are you finding it easier that it was immediately after your surgery?
Thanks.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I try work out about 4 hours a day. My workout consist of an electrode bike, a stationary bike, a standing frame, and a treadmill with harness and braces. I have seen a significant improvement on my left side as that was always my weaker side when working out. Now it is stronger than the right. I also swim when the weather permits. JV
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Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: There has been so much response to last night's program, and so many questions today, that I wanted to let everyone know that you can learn more and see more about the topic of stem cells at the INNOVATION Web site, www.pbs.org/innovation.
Erin
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New Jersey:
Joy, how are you doing in your recovery now? What keeps you going and how did you get through initial rejections of seeking treatment?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I seem to go through phases. I will hit a plateau and then all at once notice some changes. The most recent is pain in both my legs. It is a tingling burning pain, especially after I have exercised. I can actually feel that my legs are fatigued after riding my bike. I also have an awareness of where my legs are in space.
What keeps me going? A desire to be the mom I was before my accident. I think I want to walk as much for my children as for myself. We are doing well, but it is a constant reminder of the accident when they see me in my wheelchair. JV
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beverly massachusetts:
With so many stem cells available
through umbellical cords----and perfect
matches much easier than bone marrow
methods--why use the nose, or bone
marrow?
Why not get more people to harvest
umbellical cord blood instead of wasting
it?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Stem cells must have just the right conditions to become specific types of cells (e.g. spinal cord nerve cells). We don't how to make umbilical cord stem cells differentiate into spinal cord cells at this time and it will likely be several years before we do.
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Kingston Springs, Tn:
It was great to see Joy Vernon be able to stand, move her feet. Does she have feeling in all of her lower body? Is it a process of learning to use her muscles again? When will this procedure be available for people like my son, T2 spinal cord injury 10 years ago?
Thank you,
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: It was actually Laura that is able to stand and move her ankles. I do have an increase in feeling in my lower body. I am T11 and T12. We hope the procedure will be available here in the United States, so that we don't have to go to other countries to have this done.
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Scottsdale, Ariz.:
Are you familiar with work being done by a small biotech firm named Endovasc? They are following up on research by Stanford University that unexpectedly found that nicotine is the most powerful angiogenic agent ever found. Another amazing discovery was made during their research on using nicotine to grow new blood vessels in the hearts of test animals whose hearts had been intentionally compromised to simulate a heart attack.
They discovered that nicotine apparently recruited large quantities of stem cells and beyond just generating blood vessel growth, promoted new heart tissue growth as well. It might be worth investigating whether low dosage nicotine might actually be stimulating production of stem cells and could aid in your work with harvesting stem cells, particularly in older patients.
Sincerely, William
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Thanks for the info. Will check into it.
Dr. H.
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Chicago, Ill.:
How and when did the idea of the film come up? Was there a personal story that the filmmaker wanted to share? Also, will there be a follow-up to future research and past stories? Also, how long did it take to film this piece?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: The film's producer, Frank Simmonds, approached Innovation over a year ago with an idea for an episode on stem cell therapy. As we are always looking for programs on the latest breakthroughs in technology, we knew it would be important to move forward with "Miracle Cell."
We hope to be able to post updates on all of our Innovation episodes on our website, so please keep looking there for further information.
The production company began filming the program in August 2003 and finished the editing process in February 2004. We wanted to follow the progress of the trials for as long as possible, while still keeping the film up-to-date.
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Henderson, Nev.:
Would this research help Neouropathy? I am a 57 year old woman. Two years ago I had surgery on my back and had an Arotial Thrombosis, that blocked the blood flow to both legs and right kidney. I survived but it left my right leg paralyzed and I have severe nerve pain in the paralyzed leg. I would like to become a candidate for this research if it would help my condition.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: It might help neuropathy in the future. It is not yet being studied for this purpose but I anticipate that many neurologic conditions, including peripheral neuropathies will be included in future clinical trials utilizing this kind of technology.
Dr. H.
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Clifton, N.J.:
I am 26 yrs. old and I was born with congential toxoplasmosis as a result I am legally blind from my right eye. Is there any hope for me with stem cell?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: This is out of my area, but the answer is possibly. Stem cells have been used to restore vision in a case where a person had severe burns of the surface of the eye but the retina (deep part of the eye) was spared.
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Anonymous:
Joy,
How has your family been affected and how do your children deal with your recovery process?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I have learned that a spinal cord injury affects not only the person injured, but it ripples down to family and friends. My children are different children because of my injury. In some ways they are my caretaker. They load and unload my wheelchair. They take turns pushing me at the zoo and various outings when my arms give out. I can say though that there is a compassion and understanding there way beyond their years for others. Of course, their desire is my desire, that I will walk again. I am sure they want it as much as I do. The wheelchair is a constant reminder of the accident for them. We were all in therapy in the beginning which helped a lot. Thanks for asking! JV
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Los Angeles, Calif.:
Could the work being done by Dr. Carlos Lima in
Portugal with the olfactory stem cells potentially
work with peripheral nerves that have been
avulsed (like in a brachial plexus injury)? And
why isn't that kind of testing happening here in the
U.S.? Are doctors to fearful of legal
repercussions?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Yes it could potentially be used for nerve root avulsion - this has been done successfully in animals. The FDA has to give approval for this kind of research and is asking for more information and animal research before it will be allowed to be performed in the US.
Dr H.
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Washington, D.C.:
Joy, how did you find out about the procedure? Did you do a lot of research, good doctors, good healthcare provider or by just luck? So many people feel dejected by their own physician.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I first heard about Dr. Lima from a friend in England. I then began to research his procedure. Dr. Lima came to Alabama and I met with him there. He gave a presentation on his procedure. You are right many people are dejected by their own physician. JV
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New Jersey:
I love the Innovation sights especially the interactive. Generally, how long does it take to do the filming and how do you decide what topics are part of the series?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Erin here - Thank you so much for your compliment! As you'll see in one of the questions I answered previously, it can take up to a year for an episode to be researched, filmed and edited. We like to stay abreast of the latest technologies and select topics accordingly. As you can see from our line-up of programs, we try to keep the subject matter very diverse. And that's the point of the series - to illustrate that technology is everywhere, whether you're at the top of a skyscraper, in an operating room or simply on the phone. Our upcoming episode, "Fiber Optics," explores the serendipitous discovery of fiber optic communication - something that touches all of our lives, every day. Tune in next Tuesday night.
By the way, have you checked out our Sparks of Innovation spots? They have been airing on local PBS stations and are also available for viewing online at www.pbs.org/innovation. My personal favorite is a testimonial from the teenaged winners of the Siemens-Westinghouse Science Contest, but the Moby spot is also a popular one.
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Maryland:
Joy, can you tell us exactly what your procedure was and what how long the recovery is and do you have to go for multiple procedures in the future?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I had OEG cells transplanted into my injury site at T11 and T12. I had the surgery nine months ago. I am still continuing to see some progress. I should continue to improve for at least up to two years, possibly even longer. I do not have to go for multiple procedures in the future. The main thing I have to do now is exercise. JV
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Holland, Mich.:
My daughter, Emily, age 19, suffered a C6/C7 SCI on Valentine's Day 2001 in a one car accident on black ice here in Holland, Michigan. She's currently a college student at Hope College here in Holland. She looks a lot like Laura Dominguez.
My question is this: While we have kept our ear closely to the tracks and have read much about the new pharmaceutical and stem cell treatments coming down the tracks, there seems for us to be little organized and intentional way that we find out about new trials or approaches. If I hadn't just randomly flipped by PBS last night, I would have missed your show altogether. I'm so glad we saw it; especially since we're only two and a half hours from Dr. Hinderer in Detroit. No local caregivers have even mentioned the human trials in Portugal with followup in Detroit.
Is there a better way for us to know about exciting developments and shouldn't physiatrists and rehab people around the world find it their responsibility to link people in knowledge of the fast developing field?
As a "consumer" with much to gain, and possibly narrow opportunity to avail ourselves of new approaches, how can we stay better in the loop. For instance, how could we make contact with Dr. Hinderer to discuss possible evaluation for Emily's benefit with Stem Cell therapy? How can we otherwise know what's in our own neighborhood for dramatic developments? Just what do you suggest as a strategy for us to stay up to date in these fast changing times?
Thanks. David
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: More information about emerging technologies for treatment of spinal cord injury can be found on the following two websites:
www.healingtherapies.info
www.carecure.rutgers.edu/spinewire/
Dr. H.
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Interlochen, Mich.:
My husband is the retired science
reporter from the Detroit News. He had a
profound stroke May 17th 2002. He can
not read, write of say more than a few
groups of words or recognize letters of
the alphabet out of sequence.
He understands what is said, follows TV.
and listens to books on tape.
You can imagine, given his profession,
what a loss this is to be cut off from
communicating.
Please. can you tell me if stem cell
research is being conducted of brain cell
regeneration?
Thank you and all involved in sharing this
important news.
Beverly
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Dear Beverly,
I can understand why you and your husband chose to retire at Interlochen - it is beautiful there. Stem cell technology is not yet being applied in human trials for stroke or brain injury, but I do expect that as we learn more, this will happen over the next 3-5 years.
Dr. H.
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Price, Utah:
I have a daughter that was paralyzed due to a tumor called a hemangioblastoma inside of her spinal cord on C-7. Is there any information about these types of tumors out there and the prognosis? Unfortunately we did not know that anything was wrong until the tumor broke and bled into her spinal cord and paralyzed her. Would stem cell's be something that could possibly work on her? Is there any place close to us that we might be able to contact if there is. We live approximately 2 1/2 hours from the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Unfortunately, I do not have experience with this type of tumor and cannot comment on prognosis. It is possible that the technologies discussed in the Miracle Cell documentary could be helpful to her.
Dr. H.
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Farmington, Mich.:
Dr. Hinderer,
I am a C-4 quadriplegic with an incomplete injury. On April 3 I became 16 years post-injury. I have a little movement in my left arm. However, I'm finding that some muscles are starting to atrophy with time. I haven't been able to receive physical therapy in the last 11 years. I do what I can at home but it is nowhere near the extent anyone I have seen on the research programs. Is there any possible way to be a candidate for these surgeries? Is there any way to consult with you at the Rehabilitation Institute?
Thank you.
Betsy
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Dear Betsy,
I cannot give you the contact phone # here - we would get inundated with calls, but if you call directory assistance, you can get the number for the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and they can help you pursue this.
Dr. H.
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Medford, NY:
Are there any clinical trials or programs available in the NY area regarding stem cell research for muscular dystrophy patients?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Not that I have heard of.
Dr. H.
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Wayne, Pa.:
Are there ways that an individaul can donate money to support the specific stem cell research or technique that is used in Portugal without just giving money generally?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Yes! This would be most welcome because we have so much work to do yet! Checks can be made out to the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery; then mail to Steven R. Hinderer, MD; Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, 261 Mack Blvd., Suite 844, Detroit, MI 48201-2417. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
Dr. H.
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Wayne, Pa.:
Dr. Hinderer: In the episode on TV it looked as though Laura may have been getting close to being able to walk again. Can you update us on her current status? Can she walk?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Since Laura lives in Texas and I am in Michigan, I do not get to see her very often so I can not confirm her current abilities since the filming of the documentary.
Dr. H.
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Nashville, TN:
I have read and heard that early trials of
the amazing work that you are doing
would be reserved for low-level
paraplegics, as there is a bit more
"margin for error," for the lack of a better
phrase, instead of a C5 quadriplegic. I
am a C5 quad with a 20-year-old injury
and was curious what to tell friends and
family when I'm deluged with calls! Is
there more risk working with high-level
quads?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Yes there is more risk working with people who have a cervical level injury (aka tetraplegia or quadriplegia).
Surgeries on the spinal cord carry a risk of losing neurologic function that you currently posess. A loss of even one segment (e.g. going from being a C7 quad to becoming a C6) could have a profound negative functional implication as compared to someone with paraplegia going form T7 to T6.
Dr. H.
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JACKSON, MS:
Is an old injury less likely to be recommended for the procedure?
Danny M.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: The current time following injury for the procedure in Portugal is from 6 months to 3 years. Dr. Lima feels that after 3 years, the loss of muscle tissue in areas of paralysis is too great to benefit much from the surgery, i.e. you have to have muscles for the repaired spinal cord to connect to.
Dr. H.
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Toronto,Ontario:
I am a C6/7 incomplete quad with
excellent hand function. I was injured
almost 2 years ago in a MVA. Do you think
it is worthwhile to extract eggs from my 37
year old wife to store for future use in
stem cell therapy?
signed,
Fernando
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: No. The eggs do not contain stem cells currently being used for this kind of research.
Dr. H.
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Laingsburg, MI:
HI, My name is Lisa and my son was injured in a diving accident Sept. 2002 and was wondering what the qualifications for the surgery are? We live just outside of Lansing and would like to get in contact with Dr. Hinderer. We have already called and have yet to recieve any info on the procedure and what the qualifications are and how we may be considered for the transplant.
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Basic Criteria are:
Age 16-50
6 months to 3 years post traumatic spinal cord injury
C5 to T12 lesion level
ASIA A (no sparing of motor or sensory function below the level of injury) or ASIA B (sparing of some sensation but no motor below the level of injury)
There are several other tests that need to be performed beyond these selection items.
Dr. H.
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Fresno California:
How do we voice our opinion regarding the stem-cell controversy? Is there a website or other method where we can get contact info for the Whitehouse, congress etc...
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Write or call your US congressperson from our district or US senators from your State.
Dr. H.
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Brantford Ontario Canada:
Hello
I'am 43 year old para t5, a friend of mine hade surgery in Portugal by Dr. Lima. I am also going to pursue this surgery, but was told by my friend that because of my age the nasal cells do not take as well. Is this true,and if so could cells be taken from one of my children?
Thanks
Walt
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Dear Walt,
While 43 is not an optimal age for the surgery in Lisbon, other people your age have qualified. The olfactory mucosa needs to be your own to avoid an immune response and rejection, which would be disastrous in the spinal cord.
Dr. H.
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Glenside, PA:
Great show! I too caught it going through the channels and was impressed with the improvement each patient made and even their own determination to push hard in their therapies. Keep up the great work!
Does the stem cell actually grow into new nerves and make it to their proper destination to function with the various muscles or areas of sensation. We have a 22 yr old daughter born with Spina Bifida Myelomengecele where the nerves actually do not finish growing while in the womb. I remember reading nerves die quickly after they are damaged so my guess is that the stem cells are actually growing new nerves not repairing an already dead nerve.
If that is true is there any hope with this with this procedure for the thousands of individuals born with Spina Bifida?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: I have a great deal of experience working with people with Spina Bifida. As you have noted, SB is more complex than SCI, but I do believe that this type of technology does have potential application for people with SB in the future.
Dr. H.
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Kendallville, IN:
I tuned into the show late, therefore
missing the beginning. I heard a woman
who was paralyzed say that is was
wonderful to be able to feel when she had
to go to the bathroom. I had a total radical
hysterectomy 8 years ago because of
cervical cancer and am unable to feel
when I have to urinate. Would this be
something that could benefit me?
Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: Hi. I have passed through your lovely town on US 6 many times during my youth on the way to my grandparents home in Syracuse, IN.
This kind of technology may be helpful for your situation in the future, but there is further research work that needs to be done before it will be available in the US and then we will need to develop further studies for specific conditions like yours. Hang in there.
For all participants, thank you for your interest and excellent questions. I am signing off at this point and have enjoyed the opportunity to share information with you.
Sincerely,
Steven R. Hinderer, MD
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Dr. Steven Hinderer, Joy Veron and Erin Chapman: On behalf of Joy Veron, Dr. Hinderer and myself I just wanted to say what a pleasure it’s been speaking with everyone. If the program didn’t air on your PBS station because of the President’s address, please check your local listings or visit www.pbs.org for re-broadcast information. Thank you for your interest and remember to tune in two weeks to INNOVATION’s look at the past, present and future of communication technology – “Light Speed.” Come back to the Washington Post next Wednesday for another online discussion. Hope to see you there! -- Erin
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