COPD Improves with Stem Cell Therapy

Written by Patrícia Silva, PhD |

COPD study

Four Lung Institute facilities in Tampa, Scottsdale, Nashville and Pittsburg, treat restrictive and obstructive lung diseases using stem cells from the patient’s own body.

Gary V., a patient, has seen his quality of life improve since he receive stem cell therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

For Gary, “improvement” is more healthy, happier days.

“I don’t get sick as much anymore,” he said in Lung Institute press release. “I don’t have inflammation. It’s been working. It’s been very good.”

COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe and characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Two main forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

There is currently no cure for COPD, but treatment options such as stem cell therapy can prevent more damage and improve the patient’s quality of life.

A pilot report of the Lung Institute called Autologous Stem Cell Therapy and its Effects on COPD, indicates that 82% of patients with the disease had improvements in their quality of life after stem cell therapy. The level of improvement varies from patient to patient.

“In the practice of medicine, we use standardized treatments on unique individuals, and as a result, responses to treatments do vary,” said Dr. Jack Coleman, medical director of the Lung Institute clinic in Nashville. “When the responses of a large population of patients are presented as a graph, we see the bell-shaped curve where one extreme represents those patients with a very-good-to-excellent response to treatment, and the other extreme represents those with little or no response to treatment. The majority of patients are somewhere in the middle.”

Stem cell therapy is a strategy that introduces new adult stem cells into damaged tissue in order to treat disease or injury. The treatments have the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering. While stem cell therapy can help with COPD symptoms, it is not a definite cure for chronic lung disease.

“There are times when you still get a flare-up, where you have to take a break,” Gary noted. “It’s not a miracle cure. It’s not something that you are going to take, and the next day you’re cured.”

Still, for many patients, stem cell therapy is the best currently available treatment option.

Many patients of COPD have trouble walking short distances and are especially susceptible to illness and pneumonia. Often, patients need oxygen support 24 hours per day and daily medications. In sever cases, a more drastic measure is required – lung transplant.  With lung transplant, the first-year survival rate is 78%; three-year survival is 63%;  five years is 51%.

While some patients’ reviews indicate improvements in lung function and capability to live a normal life, not all results are home runs.

“As practitioners, we constantly strive to shift the bell curve in the direction of the excellent responders and reduce the poor or non-responders,” Dr. Coleman noted. “We do this through constant surveillance of the latest research and literature reports, and modify our protocols based on this information. We also examine those who do not respond well to determine factors that may allow us to offer more effective treatments to those individuals in the future. In doing so, we have improved our response rate from just over 70% 16 months ago to 85% now . . . Improvement is a constant process in medicine.”

Scott avatar

Scott

Good luck, hope to see a cure soon, all the best

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Michael lewendon avatar

Michael lewendon

Was told by my doctors that i had 2 years to live. my COPD was getting worse by the month. then i managed to get hold of a drug called Thalidomide from India. I paid £550 for 500 tablets which were Generic. Every time I feel like I'm going down hill I take 1 tablet a night for 3 to 6 nights, which by then i feel like King Kong it usually lasts between 4-12 months. All you need to remember is the drug is technogenic which means it will kill most things living in your body, so beaware you read about the pregnantcy problems this drug caused during the 60s they don't know how this drug works even today thats why they don't prescribe it? afraid of law-suits. Still its 8 years now for me and my doctors are amazed. Not saying it would work for you,just saying this drug cures more deseases than any other drug on the planet. Over 50 million take this drug for one thing or another, check it out on the internet,

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Christina Brisebill avatar

Christina Brisebill

I would like to see an update, Michael. Are you still on the Thalidomide? I'm guessing you live in the UK. Is the drug available to the United States, if you know. Thanks for the information.

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Virginia Churchill avatar

Virginia Churchill

i have heard that after age 60 we do not make hardly any stem cells? that is why it best to use umbilical cord for stem cell therapy. I am 74 and can I produce the stem cells for the procedure?

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Ellie Young avatar

Ellie Young

Virginia, I know that in Japan, arthritic knees could be treated by stem cell transplant. And the stem cells are from the patient's saliva and then program the cells into stem cells. My father is very old, and we are trying not to get him stem cells from bone marrow. Hope it helps! All the best.

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priscilla white avatar

priscilla white

YES I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO AFTER WHAT AGE DOES STEM CELL STOP PRODUCING BEFORE I SIGN UP FOR THE TREATMENT.

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Bunny Music avatar

Bunny Music

This is an interesting article and I hope it gives us all hope in the future. I've been on oxygen 24/7 for 16 years already and was very lucky to have had lung volume reduction surgery. Stem cell is the next great step. Hope it works out for us all.

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Ronnie Hicks avatar

Ronnie Hicks

I have emphysema and would like to know the name of the herbal medication that was used to help with this illness

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Rhonda Morley avatar

Rhonda Morley

I would very much love to be a candidate for the stem cell procedure,but I know I couldn't afford it. I couldn't afford to travel to the few states that it is done in.

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Katharine White avatar

Katharine White

Sounds like a scam. No one is saying what herbs are used.

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Anonymous avatar

Anonymous

It is a scam. I wonder why this website is allowing this spam here.

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elijah avatar

elijah

i am just starting to do the research for my wife who has copd. i have yet to contact any of the centers that perform autologous stem cell therapy.....is there any posted information as to the costs that someone could share with me. Thanks for your help

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Beverly Duckett avatar

Beverly Duckett

I talked with Lung Institute and one treatment is $8000.00 and if you do the 2 treatments they have its $12500.

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Holley Goddard avatar

Holley Goddard

I love to talk to someone that had this done

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larry robinson avatar

larry robinson

Can anyone tell me if Medicare or Federal Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover any of the cost of stem cell treatment?

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Anonymous avatar

Anonymous

Insurances & Medicare to date will not pay for these treatments. I heard recently that there are two doctors in Vermont that do the procedure and it costs $5000.00

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larry Wilson avatar

larry Wilson

talked to them yesterday by phone 7,500 for one treatment 11.ooo for two..

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Tom avatar

Tom

Elijah I Found a place that does that procedure and it's very costly!! I Was Quoted $7500.00 to $11500.00 They Have A Two Day And Four Day Procedure!!! Hope This Helps You!! P.S. Insurance Will NOT COVER THIS!!! Tommy

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Nicole Lin avatar

Nicole Lin

I have done Stemcell therapy twice in the Lung Institute in Tampa,FL and have seen very big changes! I do not get sick anymore and I can do more now without getting as tired as before. I can shower now easily and I can walk almost anywhere everyday. I have COPD end stage. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a better quality of life. I am happy and I rarely get sad like I used to. I am planning to take one more treatment this year.

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George Tibbs avatar

George Tibbs

Nicole, I am curious about price. I read somewhere the treatments cost between 7 and 10 thousand each, is that accurate?

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Chris avatar

Chris

My Dad is considering is considering stem cell treatment at Lung Institute in Pittsburgh. Please advise as to your thoughts on first procedure, etc. Need all the info I can get

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Ellie Young avatar

Ellie Young

To Nicole, thank you for the hope that you have given to me and my father. My father is suffering COPD for a few years in Canada, and the lung specialist told my father that he has no time left. I will try to find out the lung institute for my father. Hope all lung patients could live a long and healthy life!

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Ross Carl Booker avatar

Ross Carl Booker

Nichole lin, Can you give me an idea of how much the stem cell therapy cost? Please Email me @ [email protected]. This wou;d really help me decide weather to have it done or not.

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cherry collins avatar

cherry collins

They told me 6500. 00

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herminia avatar

herminia

i live in florida,i found a doctor here,that he will do for 4000 thousand ,then half price for the second threament.

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April Dawn Cyr avatar

April Dawn Cyr

Herminia what are they offering you for the $4,000? I am planning to go to Jamaica for Umbilical Cord stem cell treatment of my COPD. It will cost me $5,000 and I feel confident that the treatment will be a great success!!!

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Russ avatar

Russ

April thx for the info, can you give more info on the facility in Jamaica, I have stage three COPD and would like to improve my quality of life. I have a quote of 12,000 in Mexico, that's a lot of money.

larry robinson avatar

larry robinson

Please can you also provide for me any information in regards to the cost of treatment for COPD. You can e-mail me at [email protected] A reply would be greatly appreciated.

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Joy avatar

Joy

Have u heard of someone condition getting worse after the stem cell treatment

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Ronald D Kaufmann avatar

Ronald D Kaufmann

yes my wife had two stem cell treatments and she is getting worse every day.

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Kim avatar

Kim

Nicole,

Could you tell me which Lung Institute you went to and do they charge you every time you have to go back for another treatment or are those included in your initial payment? I have Stage 4 COPD and only 18% lung capacity. I get worse each and every day. I was going to start proceedings for a lung transplant but the odds of living more than 5 years is very low. I don't want to have to go from taking so many different medications for COPD to taking 100's of pills if I have a lung transplant. I am very interested in getting the stem cell therapy but I would have to travel to one of the 4 institutes as I don't live in the area. How long did it take? Just wondered so that I can figure in the cost for travel to the institute and my stay while there.

Thanks - hope you get back to me! you can email me at

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herminia avatar

herminia

hi nicole,I'm thinking getting stemcell therapy.do you still have to used your inhaler after the stencil therapy?

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vinny avatar

vinny

Nicole , I would pay you anything to hear about your story and your experience with this … my mom is end stage COPD and I am desperate for a solution and currently looking into exploring this treatment. is there a way I can get in touch with you ?

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CAROL HUTCHINS avatar

CAROL HUTCHINS

Nicole- Have you & your Mom looked into this procedure since this post dated 4/16/19. My husband has End stage COPD and an very interested in hearing anything you know. Thanks-Carol

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Sheila hill avatar

Sheila hill

I have beentold i have copd.ive had asthma(allergic) and smoked ciggaretts.I must have hade it for some time, or mabe it was the asthma but i can rembember being out of breath in the past.Im scared now at times i get out of breath at nite or with exertion.i am useing the rescue inhaler a lot.I havent done a cardio_pulm test im afraid.they might tell me some negitive stuff.i really am ok most of the time.ive changed my diet am trying to do better.I think im in the first stages.is there any organic help for someone like me??? What is life expectancy? ?? Im a very young 60. Thank you sheila

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Carol avatar

Carol

Do you have a oxy meter? You can get them at Walmart for 30$. Your body is working hard to repair but avoiding allergys,colds,smoke (as much as possible). Drink loads of water and pray.

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Nancy Jones avatar

Nancy Jones

Why pay 30 at Walmart. Order an oxy meter from Amazon. Got 2 from Amazon for the price of 1 at Wa
lmart.

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Mary Lawson avatar

Mary Lawson

The same with me ,they always make this med. But the people that needs it can't afford it

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Chuck Bannon avatar

Chuck Bannon

"Stem cells have been called everything from cure-alls to miracle treatments. But don’t believe the hype. Some unscrupulous providers offer stem cell products that are both unapproved and unproven. So beware of potentially dangerous procedures—and confirm what’s really being offered before you consider any treatment."

https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm286155.htm

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Diana avatar

Diana

It is very unfortunate that only the well off can afford some medical treatment. I am paying nothing like this to have it done in Australia by a nice doctor who specialises in sports medicine PRP and stem cells. You are being charged what the market will pay, but it doesn't cost them $8,000 to give you back your own blood! Maybe try negotiating, begging etc.! Yes the treatment works of course it does. Sadly it is not enough to call it a cure, just a substantial improvement for MOST people - about 80% will benefit. Do NOT smoke. Do breathing exercises, swim if you can, lose weight if you are fat.

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Mark avatar

Mark

I can only tell you that COPD is no joke! I was diagnosed 5 years ago and I'm already in stage 3. I have chronic bronchitis. Those of you who have it know how much it changes your life. The way I see it is quite simply... what would you pay for another 5 years? For that matter another year?

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David avatar

David

What ever you do make sure you get your flu shot and Pneumonia shot. Every year. Pneumonia is every 5 I think. Since I've been getting these shots I have staved off getting sick. Hard time breathing at times and am looking at Stem Cell.

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Kelly Messier avatar

Kelly Messier

My father is looking to have this done in June, I hope it works because his quality of life would improve so much!

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carol hutchins avatar

carol hutchins

Kelly, has your father had this procedure done and how is he doing today. 8/16/19 Thanks-Carol Hutchins

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larry avatar

larry

I start to have copd about four years ago, but I had apnea before and I got the c pack or mask that I used for sleeping and it helps a lot with my copd.I also do cardio exercise at the gym and that helps a lot.i consider stem but it's to expensive.

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derrick avatar

derrick

I am in Canada and there is no place I know of to get cell treatment .as well my lung Dr. says it is a scam .I am in stage 4 diagnosed 2016, got a little better in 17, now I cant do hardly anything without losing my breath , very frustrating and scary. starting all the tests for transplant, if approved you know 100% your days are numbered. kind of damned if you do or don't.

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Helena avatar

Helena

Hi Kelly, Have your father done this? My father suffered emphysema for 4 years, and now he is hospital because of pneumonia. It is very dangerous this time. Hope to get your feed back. Thank you.

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Cherry D. Collins avatar

Cherry D. Collins

does Ins cover it, I have medicare and blue cross , blue sheild of Michigan.
Cherry D Collins
317 600 1059

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Albert avatar

Albert

Stem Cell treatment will not be covered for the foreseeable future by any health insurance. If medical office staff inform you that you may be eligible for coverage, you are only receiving a discount, not insurance coverage. And most stem cells injected are NOT viable/live stem cells.

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maureen hudson avatar

maureen hudson

I have copd & pulmonary hypertention, I have been on every treatment & nothing seems to work. Does anybody have any news on what I should do.

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mae morton avatar

mae morton

my husband has copd and uses oxygen at night. he just turned 77 and losing energy. can't do much without getting very winded. is there other sights where we can get info 0n stem cell treatments.

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Dr. David Greene avatar

Dr. David Greene

A friend is having Stem Cell Therapy Next Month and is a bit nervous. Hopefully, this post will help him to relax.

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debgorden avatar

debgorden

Husband has had stem cell treatments twice at the Tampa facility - and had had very very good results.. quite an improvement in breathing. His pulmonologist and rheumotologist were very impressed with his improvement. we are going back next month for another treatment. read the testimonials on their website.. too bad it is so expensive.. but it is worth it

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Charleen Scott avatar

Charleen Scott

debgordon, how far apart were the two treatments and how long has it been since he had the last one. My daughter was just diagnosed with stage 3 copd and she is only 35 and has two young children. We really need help for her. I'm glad to hear it is helping your husband.

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