Clinicals

[barbara]

This is from the Texas Heart Institute site:




Welcome

The Stem Cell Center is dedicated to the study of adult stem cells and their role in treating diseases of the heart and the circulatory system. Through numerous clinical and pre-clinical studies we have come to realize the potential of stem cells to help patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Whether you are a patient looking for information regarding our research, or a doctor hoping to learn more about stem cell therapy, we welcome you to the Stem Cell Center.

Emerson C. Perin, MD, PhD, FACC
Director, New Cardiovascular Interventional Technology

Active Research

We are actively enrolling patients in studies using stem cells for the treatment of:

* Ischemic Heart Failure
* Acute Myocardial Infarction
* Peripheral Vascular Disease

If you are a Patient or a Physician and would like to refer a patient for enrollment please visit our Current Research page for more information.

You may also contact us:
Email: stemcell@heart.thi.tmc.edu
Toll free: 1-866-924-STEM (7836)
Phone: 832-355-9404
Fax: 832-355-944

 

[hlichten]

Since I have spoken to several doctors in Dr. Perin's group, here are a few other things to know about the stem cell trials at THI:

Basically, this would be good for someone who has one of the mentioned conditions, but is not an end-of-life category patient. Since these studies are all double-blind studies, neither the patient or the doctor will know if the patient is receiving stem cells or placebo. When the study is "unblinded" in 6 or more months, anyone who received placebo will have an opportunity to get the real stem cells.

The advantage is: it will be a free treatment
The disadvantage is: you won't know if you have been actually treated for 6 or more months.

Also, keep in mind that they will not accept any patient with a history of any cancer, or anyone who has received stem cell therapy in the past 2 years.

For a heart patient who either does not have the money to go out of the USA, or can't travel, and is not at risk of death, this is a great deal!

THI is a wonderful facility in Houston.