Lab-Grown Brain Cells Show Early Promise in Parkinson’s Treatment : The Hearty Soul

Parkinson’s disease causes tremors, rigidity, and issues with balance, and is driven by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine. Certain medications initially help deal with these symptoms, but typically lose effectiveness over time and produce unwanted side effects. However, there have recently been some exciting advances in Parkinson’s disease treatment. Researchers are now looking into a treatment involving the transplant of specially-grown cells (iPS cells) into the brain. These early-stage trials have shown considerable promise, demonstrating that these cells can survive after transplantation and safely release dopamine. Let’s take a closer look at this promising new stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s patients.

New Advances in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

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Japanese researchers have tested a novel stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease on six patients. They used adult skin cells (iPS cells) and turned them into brain cells that produce dopamine. These cells were then placed into the specific part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease. Two years later, MRI scans revealed that there was no tumor growth. Furthermore, PET imaging showed a very promising ~45% increase in dopamine uptake. The new cells had stayed in place, caused no issues, and were clearly helping. The researchers stated that “the cells survived, produced dopamine and did not form tumours.

Other New Treatments for Parkinson’s Symptoms

A similar study was conducted in Canada and the United States, this time using stem cells taken from embryos. These cells were transformed into brain cells and inserted into 12 Parkinson’s disease patients at varying doses. Brain scans were then taken after 18 months, which subsequently revealed that the cells were thriving. Additionally, those patients who had received higher doses showed the greatest improvement. The most remarkable finding was that none of the patients developed the uncontrollable movements associated with other Parkinson’s disease treatments. Researchers consider it a huge milestone, proving that this type of stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s offers great promise for the future.

A Major Leap Forward For The Treatment of Parkinson’s

brain floating above hand — Credit: Pixabay

These breakthroughs are welcome news to those who have been working in this field for many years. As one of the doctors involved, Viviane Tabar stated, “It represents more than two decades of collaborative work.” Unlike Parkinson’s disease treatments that only manage the symptoms, these latest advances in Parkinson’s disease treatment get to the root of the problem. They attempt to fix what is “broken” inside the brain of the patient. This could potentially mean we are heading to an era where patients will require far less medication and enjoy far more freedom. At the moment, existing treatments only provide temporary relief of symptoms and grow less effective over time. However, these advances in Parkinson’s disease treatment actually allow the dead brain cells to be replaced. Patients who took part in the trial have reported better coordination and less shaking, allowing them to live more normal lives.

The Next Steps

The initial phases of these trials were about ensuring that these new treatments are safe. Next, the researchers want to hold bigger studies with a larger group of participants. A large trial in the United States is already anticipated to start later this year. Some researchers are also examining various ways that stem cell therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy and specific medications. As one of the researchers involved put it, “This could be a turning point in how we treat neurodegenerative diseases.” For those affected by this disease, as well as their families, this is very welcome news indeed.

The Bottom Line

While some researchers focus on new treatments for Parkinson’s symptoms, promising new advances in Parkinson’s disease treatment have shifted focus from symptom management to cellular regeneration. Living with Parkinson’s presents many challenges, but now it seems that there is real hope on the horizon. While these initial results are very promising, the next step is to have larger trials involving a bigger percentage of the general population. The idea of repair rather than relief is creating a whole new outlook regarding the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

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