To treat Parkinson's disease we apply a unique procedure, specifically designed for Parkinson's patients, in whom we implant adult stem cells extracted from the human retina, called "human Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells (hRPE)" by injection. These special cells have the quality of producing Dopamine which counters the causes and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Another important advantage of these cells is that they have no immunosuppressive reactions and therefore patients do not need to take additional drugs during the treatment.

The treatment includes the implantation of hRPE cells, along with a daily cocktail of medications that "fertilize" the damaged area, helping the cells to survive and to continue renewing themselves.

While the treatment can not completely remove all the symptoms of the disease, it can greatly reduce the tremors, decrease muscle tension, improve continuity of movement and balance, increase muscle strength, reduce the freeze ups, etc.

In June of 2006 we had performed the first published successful stem cell treatment for Parkinson¡¯s disease worldwide, of an American patient who came to our hospital at a very progressive stage of Parkinson's disease. 

So far, more than 50 Parkinson's patients have been treated with hRPE stem cells from Peking University's Stem Cells Research Center ("Beida") and various other cooperating hospitals. All of the patients showed increasing dopamine metabolism, and the conditions of the all the patients improved after the transplantation (usually the improvement occurred one week after the injection). The first clinical trial was performed in 2004, but long term follow-up is still under investigation (at least 1-3 years follow-up), so the treatment is still under careful control, especially in the selection of the suitable patients. 

Our comprehensive program for Parkinson's patients combines both neural stem cell activation and stimulation, and the stem cells implantation. This combined treatment has so far proven itself to be the most effective way to bring a high level of recovery in different neurological diseases. 

The treatment includes stem cell implantation, a medications procedure, surgical procedure, biofeedback treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.

The key to the success of this treatment method is the overall customized treatment regimen for each patient.

hRPE Cells Implantation:

The hRPE cells will be injected through CSF by lumbar puncture. We use that technique since it has the highest accuracy.

Self Stem Cells Activation and Proliferation:

Under a non-invasive procedure, through daily IV of an individually customized cocktail of neurotrophic medications, we activate the patient's own stem cells and as a result, turn these cells into nerve precursor cells. These cells have signalization and migrate to lesions along the nerve developing-chord. Through this procedure we will create a most active and "fertile nerve" environment in the brain, to allow the new implanted cells to survive, and to start a continuous process of renewing themselves.  

Rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation therapy is a very necessary part of the entire treatment regimen. In the past 20 years nerve system rehabilitation in terms of motor control theory has been greatly developed. The adult stem cell mobilization technique we use is combined with signal induction in the rehabilitation training procedure which can significantly improve brain function.

In our Rehabilitation center we use different kinds of rehabilitation methods including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech therapy.

Self stem cell activation and proliferation program:

This program usually takes 5-6 weeks of stay in the Hospital.

1. Upon arrival at the hospital, you will be given standard tests to check your health and the details of your condition. A thorough evaluation of the neurological function and understanding of the lesion or pathological change in the brain tissues will be established by the medical team.

2. According to your condition a medical plan will be designed for Self Stem Cell Original Activation and Proliferation treatment. Then, to drive off the trigger factors of the stroke, we will treat the blood vessel wall, the blood ingredients and the blood flow, improving the brain micro environment to help the stem cells proliferate.

3. The self activation and proliferation treatment will than start. Based on the Neuro-endocrine immune network theory, we treat the patients by "waking up"the sleeping stem cells through oral medication. We use different medications during different processes (proliferation-inducement-differentiation). The medications are always adjusted and combined; therefore, we call it a "cocktail treatment."

4. Throughout the treatment period we will follow up and evaluate your neurological functioning and improvements.

5. After the first treatment cycle is complete, 2 to 5 months rest are recommended before starting the second treatment.

hRPE cells implantation procedure by lumbar puncture:

1. Preparation: You will be given enough time to recover after your trip before you will receive your first injection of stem cells. Some patients prefer to wait a day or two to get settled in before taking all the tests as they are quite thorough and can be strenuous after a long trip.

2. The patient is sent to the operating room for stem cell implantation.  

Side effects:

The procedure can cause minor side effects for 2 to 3 days after the operation, including fever, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. These side effects are expected and should not alarm or concern you. Many patients do not suffer any side effects at all.

Written by Dr. Like Wu, Dr. Xiaojuan Wang