Hope for COPD?

[meehansf]

I have emphysema.  Apparently there are two possible answers,  retinoid acid and stem cells.  The former is the subject of a national study which has been going on for several years and is now drawing to a close.  (1)  Although the official results of the retinoid acid study aren't expected  for several years,  surely by now there must be confirmation of feasibility?  If no study patients had regrown any lung cells,  the study would have been cancelled?  (2)  Are there any organizations  pursuing stem cell trials or research?

[kw179]

A related discussion, no question just want to add to former question was started.

[National Jewish]

We all wish there was a definitive answer on how to grow new lungs, but unfortunately there is not one.  We certainly appreciate your frustration.

To our knowledge, there is no confirmation in people that retinoic acid can grow new lungs.  As you note the study results will not be available for some time.

There has been no work in humans with stem cell therapy for those with emphysema.

[starion]

I believe from what I've read that while stem cells are being explored in connection with lung tissue, it's a very complicated area because the lungs are much more complicated that a muscle such as the heart.
There are some medications being studied to help us breathe better, but I haven't yet read anything about things that help repair or replace our damaged aveoli or other lung tissue.  Spiriva has been approved in many countries and has an application pending with the FDA.  It has helped some COPD patients breathe better, sort of like the "big brother" to Atrovent.
Aloha,
Starion