Humm, I don’t think it’s legitimate. I saw this article which says they were part of a Class Action Lawsuit. I think it’s very expensive and the therapy is not yet proven. https://ipscell.com/2016/08/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-stem-cell-clinic-the-lung-institute/

@joan912 , Hi Joan. I asked my doctor at the Mayo Clinic about stem cell therapy. He said to beware of those clinics. There is absolutely no scientific proof that it works. One thing that is working concerning stem cell therapy is in the field of organ transplant. For example, they are taking donated lungs and cleaning them and injecting them with your own t-cells. These t-cells then multiply creating tissue that is your own. This process makes it less likely that the body will reject the new organ. This process; they are making great strides in.

Yes, Terri. The more I’ve read, the more I’ve found that it is not an established therapy, not enough clinical trials have been performed, and it’s a ripoff with a promise of a cure, but sometimes delivering worse results than the original illness. I watched the Dr. Oz videos, and it shows that patients go in (this was in Florida, I think), and the doctors didn’t even ask about the person’s condition. Just that it would cost $15,000 for the first session, and then $7000 for subsequent sessions. One doctor was a dermatologist, another was a dentist. They went to a two-day seminar and at the end they were certified stem-cell therapists. If you go to the Lung Institute site, they offer various methods someone could raise the money for therapy, including Go Fund Me sites, and asking friends, relatives, and church members for money. I think the hope lies in the Nitric Oxide therapy.

Hi Joan and Terri,
It can be really difficult to tell which stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine practices are effective and which institutions are offering evidence-based proven therapies. In fact, recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a stern warning against unproven stem cell therapies. The FDA issued these two press statements: https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm573427.htm and https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm573431.htm.

To help people learn more about the proven therapies and the promise of developing therapies, Mayo Clinic offers a free telephone consult service. When you call the consult service, they will tell you about the availability of approved stem cell therapy at Mayo Clinic and elsewhere, and for what conditions. They can also tell you about research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Furthermore, you can add your name to a database to be notified when additional studies and information become available. You can learn more about the Consult Service here http://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/patient-care/clinical-services/regenerative-medicine-consult-service.
Or call 1-844-276-2003 to speak with one of our experts.

I’m tagging Charlene @charlillie, Patient Navigator from the Regenerative Medicine department to see if she has anything to add.

Hello there. Yes, I am happy to speak with you anytime. As Colleen mentioned, you may call the toll free number above to set up a telephone appointment. The appointment is free of charge.
Thank you.

Very limited study, but apparently good progress made on Stem Cell therapy in treating bronchiectasis in China. https://bronchiectasisnewstoday.com/2018/02/15/stem-cell-transplants-rejuvenate-bronchiectasis-lungs/

Wow, this sounds very promising. Thanks for sharing, @joan912.

Sounds very promising!
My Pulmonologist said we went quite there yet here in U S. But lets hope we make quick strides soon for all if our sake.

This was on Bronchectasis Today about stem cell research in China. They are making great strides there and its looking very promising!

bronchiectasisnewstoday.com/2018/02/15/stem-cell-transplants-rejuvenate-bronchiectasis-lungs/

@pfists I have seen this report as well. From a different source online. Bronchiectasis is prevalent in China, especially in northern China. So hopefully they can recruit large enough number of patients for their studies.

What great info. How long a wait would it be to try to get a doctor at the Mayo Clinic?

I called Charlene and already got appointment for Wednesday. Thank you so much, Jane

I saw an ad for stem cell therapy for COPD and other lung diseases featuring picture of attractive female doc in white coat with fair amount of cleavage showing. That pic was enough to discredit their whole procedure.

@clpc That ad doesn't paint a very professional picture.