Stem cells for ears in Bangkok? RSCI? Duncan Kirk? David Granovsky? Help? (Video)

[bob-a-rama]

I ran across this video on the web - note it takes an hour to view - about healing hearing damage with stem cells.

It's about a clinic in Bangkok called StemCells21 and it seems to be run by a Dr. Thein Thut.

They seem to be in partnership with RSCI (Repair Stem Cells Institute and it seems a Duncan Kirk and David Granovsky are at least affiliated with that organization.

It's called a webinar, and it seems to be a sales pitch for the clinic in Bangkok. That's fine with me but I'm sure it would cost a lot of money, it seems too good to be true, so I need to do a lot of research about RSCI, StemCells21 and other options. If it's real, and if it has an 80% or better success rate, I'll start saving my pennies. I really want my hearing back.

I'm 68 and my only income is Social Security and my work in a declining industry (live music) so I have to spend money wisely. If there is a very good chance I can get my hearing back, I'd go into debt for that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2X8BIzqU64&feature=youtu.be

So my questions.

1. Has anybody heard of or had experience with the Repair Stem Cells Institute? If so good or bad.
2. Has anyone heard of or had experience with StemCells21? If so good or bad
3. How do I go about investigating ths? I'm simply a hopeful novice about stem cell therapy in regard to ears.

They say the odds of stem cells curing hearing loss before their treatment were 50/50 but they don't say what their cure rate is. I know there is no guarantee but if they published their success rate for hearing damage, I'd feel more comfortable.

Any and all help and information would be greatly appreciated. I'm new and don't know where to start, so I'm starting here.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[barbara]

RSCI is a broker. They earn a commission from the clinics they represent. Restoring hearing loss is quite complicated. I would read the information provided in the links below and any other information you can find and then ask in depth questions about the treatment that they are offering at the Thailand clinic. It's very important to know what kind of stem cells, how they are harvested and infused, what kind of hearing loss responds to the treatment, etc. Also, what is the cost? If you are hocking the farm, I would be hesitant without a LOT more information. Their website is quite interesting but I couldn't find anything about hearing loss on it. There was mention of treating Tinnitus with intravenous laser therapy, but that's all I found remotely connected to hearing. Under Stem Cell Services on their website, it just seemed to be the standard fare as far as the type of stem cells they are using. A success rate of 80% or more would have to be much more defined as far as how success is actually measured to give that figure any meaning whatsoever.


http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/7699/20140621/stem-cells-restore-hearing-study.htm

http://hsci.harvard.edu/hearing-loss-0

You might want to compare what you find with this. They list a price of $18,500. I am in no way recommending this company, but posted it because of the price and fact that they mention the kind of stem cells that they use. I am not sure how hearing could be restored with these treatments and clicking on "Case Studies" got me nowhere, but the price and type of cells used information was at least there as compared to the StemCells21 site which was devoid of details.

http://www.returninghope.com/stem-cell-therapy-for-hearing-loss.html

 

[bob-a-rama]

Thanks for the info.

I'm not eager to jump into a big ticket item without verified odds of success in my favor.

What I didn't like about the video was they talk about luxury accommodations - sounds expensive - I just need a good, clean, professional atmosphere, not leather couches and fine crystal dining service (note: they didn't mention those specifics).

I wrote RSCI a long letter, and haven't heard a response yet.

I know a lot of people are out there to take our money, and I don't mind giving it for results, but I don't want to waste it either, which is why I started the investigation both here and at the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association Of America).

I'd like to find some information that doesn't come from that clinic about their success with restoring hearing. I'm having trouble finding that.

Thanks again,
Bob

 

[bob-a-rama]

OK I received a letter back from RSCI and am continuing my investigation. I'm still in the dark about a lot of this stem cell therapy. Being (1) a layman (2) never seriously considering this before and (3) mostly knowing about stem cells as reported in the media (which is next to nothing and perhaps even propaganda).

No, I can't really afford this, which is why I'm hesitant. If I were wealthy, I'd be much more daring, but I'm a musician, well past my earnings prime, and without a pension (other than social security) as the Great Recession wiped out my meager nest egg.

Also, I get publications (and donate to) both the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) and the HHF (Hearing Health Foundation) and they are actively searching for a cure - none of their publications mention this - which makes me skeptical.

If I thought I had a 90% chance of restoring my hearing, I'd go into debt for it.

Here is the response letter. I don't know what the weird characters like the  are, probably some incompatibility with my mail app. I left them in just in case they are important in some way that I can't imagine.

Any help in my investigation will be appreciated.

---------------------------
Hi Bob,
The first paragraph, last sentence, dropped off. Here it is:

"To see the site of the sponsor of this treatment/the first stem cell patient referral organization, go here www.repairstemcells.org"

Sorry about that!

All the best,
David

On Wed, May 27, 2015 at 6:08 PM, RSCIHearing Advocate <rscihearing@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your questions. I'll try to answer as thoroughly as possible.

RSCI:Â
Founded in 2008 by Don Margolis, the Repair Stem Cell Institute is a stem cell treatment advocacy group dedicated to informing the public about the enormous healing potential of adult stem cell treatment. Don created RSCI a few years after creating one of the first stem cell treatment facilities in the world (for Heart Disease). RSCI's mission is to Educate, Advocate, and Empower those who seek more effective and less dangerous ways to treat their chronic conditions and diseases. As Don says, "The Repair Stem Cell Institute exists for one reason - to ensure that the greatest medicine the world has ever known becomes an integral part of improving and preserving health for all." RSCI's approved stem cell treatment centers exceed the highest international standards. To see the site of the sponsor of this treatment/the first stem cell patient referral

StemCells21:
Since 2011, StemCells21 is a registered Biotech company with our main office in Bangkok, Thailand. They operate two state-of-the-art medical facilities. StemCell21's key points of standards:
   Developed patient specific stem cell therapy treatment protocols.
   Collaborate with the most reliable and reputable biotech companies who adhere to all regulations.
   A code of ethics.
   Developed procedures that certify stem cells free of infectous diseases.
   Consistently used cells that have been third party tested for stem cell type, count, viability, purity, etc.
   Supported pre-clinical and clinical research and who have treated 1000's of patients.
   A follow up programme that monitors and enhances the effects of stem cell therapy.
To see the site of the treating facility in Thailand which Dr Htut is the medical director of, please go to www.StemCells21.com

Dr Htut's background:
Dr. Thein Htut M.B.,B.S (Rgn)

•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Graduated from the Institute of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar in 1977.
•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 38 years of experience in the Medical Profession.
•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 29 years in Thailand as well as in the Asia Pacific Region.
•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 12 years of professional experience in stem cell therapy compassionate treatment and coordination with principle investigators in clinical trials using stem cells therapy.
•Â            Advises on the direction and establishment of clinical programs with treatment centers. Review patient’s medical records for stem cell therapy approval prior to discussion with the stem cell treating doctors in Thailand and Singapore for the final approval.
•Â            Affiliate with the Stem Cell Therapy Centers such as Chaophya Hospital, Bangkok Heart Hospital, Phyathai2 Hospital and Praram9 Hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand and also in Singapore with Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Gleneagles Hospitals, in decision making and coordinating for patient’s medical records, referrals and follow ups.
•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Assists in design of Clinical Protocols and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures)
•Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Manages Thailand operation.


Dr Htut's associates:
Associate Professional Physicians and Surgeons:
Physicians, Plastic Surgeons, Neurologist, Orthopedic Surgeons, Ophthalmologist,

Medical Director: Dr. Thein Htut M.B.,B.S (Rgn)
Medical training and General Physician: Rangoon General Hospital, Pediatric Hospital, OB/Gyn Hospital, Surgery and Medicine Unit, Emergency Care and ICU Unit care.

Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Kan Rattanopasjaroon (MD) Diploma Thai Board of General Surgery, Pramongkutklao Hospital, Thailand. Diploma Thai Board of Plastic Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. Rhinoplasty Course with Dr. Leslie Bernstein, San Francisco, USA. Thread Rejuvenation Training Certificate.

Fellow the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand
-Fellow the Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons of Thailand
- Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery [ OSAPS ]
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery [ ISAPS ]

Attending Physician: Dr. Pornpatcharin Wongsai (MD)
Doctor of Medicine, Gullas College of Medicine, University of Visayas, Philippines.
Doctor of Optometry, Cebu’s Doctor University, Philippines

Neurologist: Dr. Christopher D. Phillips, MD, FACP, Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians
Completed specialty training in neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York, USA,

Orthopaedic Surgeon: Dr. Harit Tuchinda (MD)

Cell Biologist: Ms. Hathairat Tungtasana
Â
Stem cell treatment costs:
The cost of USD $18,900 includes the following:

Stem Cells Therapy x 7 days treatment Program
Comprehensive health check-up and assessment
Mini-lipo suction to harvest fat for adipose derived stem cells
Adipose tissue lab process to create adipose stem cells for the initial 7 days treatment program
Lab processing of stem cells
2 sessions of stem cell implantation
Intravenous (IV) infusion
Local tissue injections at ear meridians (skin/joint/muscle)
2 peptide injections (stimulants for specific cellular activity)
Daily IV laser bio-photon therapy
Daily IV blood oxygen therapy
1 x IV nutrition
2 months customized nutrition & hormone set
10 nights accommodations in 5 star hotel - 1 minute walk to treatment facility
Travel is not included
Additional options not included in $18,900 treatment cost:
Cryo-storage: For patients who want to return for additional stem cell therapies, they may opt to Cryo-store their adipose cells. There is no need for another mini liposuction if the patient has their cells cryo-stored at our medical center. Storage of 3 batches of cells: $2,000 USD for one year of storage/banking .
Additional stem cell therapies - $5,000 USD per batch/follow up: Use of each batch of processed stem cells in a 3 day program
Thawing of the cells to maximize bioavailability and potency
Activation of adipose stem cells
Preparation of stem cells for implantation
Implantation of the adipose cells - 1 to 2Â IV stem cell infusion, 1 x local injection
Supportive therapies
Risks:
There are typically no negative side affects (though there are often beneficial side affects like improved energy, enhanced immune system, etc.).

Successes:
70-85% of patients typically receive significant improvement from the stem cells and supportive therapies. The broad range is due to the type of hearing condition and all of the specific and individual physiological variables taken into consideration for each patient. This is why patients are tested and their treatment protocol is tailored to their specifications.

HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America):
I'm not surprised that the HLAA researchers haven't heard of this. The American medical system seems to have little interest in stem cell successes despite over 3,000 studies on the main government clinical trial database showing safety and efficacy and a long history of research on stem cells for hearing loss going back to 2001 https://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/hearing-loss-–-a-brief-history/

I hope this answers these questions. Please contact me if you have any others and I'm happy to speak with you directly if you are able. When is a good time for you to talk?Â

All the best,
David and the Hearing Webinar Team

 

[barbara]

Other than these 2 items, 2 peptide injections (stimulants for specific cellular activity)
Daily IV laser bio-photon therapy, I'm not sure what is unique about this treatment as compared to any other adipose derived stem cell treatment.

As for the HLAA and the HHF, I tend to agree with David. The American Lung Association is another excellent example. Instead of leading the way, advocating for innovation, they prefer to sit back and see if Big Pharma can come up with anything new. They rake in millions of dollars in donations and yet where is the progress? COPD, as an example, is one of the least funded diseases when it comes to research and yet is the number 3 cause of death in the U.S. The Lung Institute is getting the word out though that candy cigarettes should be banned which gives me great comfort. I doubt the HLAA or the HHF is devoting much time, money or effort into stem cell research at this point either. Therefore, you aren't going to hear about treatments at offshore clinics from groups like them.

 

[bob-a-rama]

Other than these 2 items, 2 peptide injections (stimulants for specific cellular activity)
Daily IV laser bio-photon therapy, I'm not sure what is unique about this treatment as compared to any other adipose derived stem cell treatment.<...>

Like I said, I have a lot to learn about this.

Do you know if adipose derived stem cell treatment have a track record for damaged ears? Or do you know where I can star the research to find that out?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[barbara]

Not to my knowledge is there a "track record" of stem cells of any type restoring hearing. Here's one study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21366561 but it is
about the therapeutic efficacy of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on experimental autoimmune hearing loss in mice. This is hearing loss brought on by autoimmune inner ear disease however and it's a study on mice.

RNL claimed to have treated a human patient successfully, but there has been controversy with this company. This article is a press release put out by RNL.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-worlds-first-successful-stem-cell-treatment-of-autoimmune-diseases-134314368.html

This study shows promise, but again, no humans, just mice.

http://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/abstract/S2213-6711(14)00025-3?_returnURL=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2213671114000253?showall=true

Same study, in plain English.

http://www.stemcellsfreak.com/2014/02/hearing-loss-mice.html

 

[barbara]

Simple recipe to make sensory hair cells in the ear

Medical News Today
5-26-15


Scientists at the Molecular Medicine Institute in Lisbon, Portugal, and at the University College London Ear Institute, United Kingdom, have developed a simple and efficient protocol to generate inner ear hair cells, the cells responsible for our hearing and sense of balance. This study is an important step for the future production of large numbers of these cells for use in cell transplantation therapies or large-scale drug screens. The research has just been published in the scientific journal Development.

Sensory hair cells located in the inner ear are vital for our sense of hearing and balance. As these cells are unable to regenerate, millions of people worldwide have permanent hearing and balance impairments. Previous studies had already reported the successful generation of hair cells in the lab, but the protocols used were complex and inefficient. To overcome these problems, the team led by Domingos Henrique, whose Neural Development lab is also associated with the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon, decided to follow a different strategy. "We explored the extensive knowledge on the various regulatory proteins that control hair cell development in the embryo to design an effective combination of three transcription factors able to induce the formation of these cells", said Dr Henrique and Aida Costa, the graduate student involved in the work.

The team applied this simpler approach to mouse embryonic stem cells in a dish, which have the potential to become any cell type. They were able to convert these cells into hair cells, more successfully and with higher efficiencies than previously reported. Excitingly, when the team added the three players to cells in the ear of a developing chick embryo they were also able to induce the formation of many new hair cells, including in areas where they do not form normally, suggesting that a similar strategy might work in vivo.

"Hair cells get their name from the bundle of hair-like structures that protrude from the cell. These protrusions have mechanosensitive ion channels that allow hair cells to transform vibrational movements into electrical signals. We observed that the hair cells we produced are also able to develop similar protrusions, but with an immature and disorganized morphology", said the authors. "However, we have some evidence suggesting that functional mechanosensitive ion channels are already present in these cells, and that the genes expressed by normal hair cells and those produced by us in a dish are very similar."

Future work will focus both on improving this protocol to produce fully mature hair cells, and on applying the method to human cells that can be produced in large quantities. "Producing large numbers of hair cells will allow the development of high-throughput drug screening to discover new compounds that can promote hair cell regeneration. In the long term, they can also be used as a starting point to develop cell replacement therapies that could successfully restore the lost or damaged hair cells in the inner ear", conclude the authors.

 

[bob-a-rama]

Thank you Barbara.

Pardon me for not thanking you sooner. I never got the notice that the thread was amended after my last visit (or else I nuked it by mistake).

I came back and was surprised that I had another response.

I've also done a lot of other research, and the best I can tell right now, is that spending the money at this clinic would be a long shot. Perhaps in time.

Bob