Stem cells therapy. Advice needed

[disengof]

I was diagnosed stage 4 of cirrhoses in 2009 when I started to be treated against Hepatitis C group. They had been employing a Pegasis/ Ribivirin therapy during 72 weeks, so a Hepatitis C became undetectable after week 12 and still be undetectable up to now. It is one year pass after the end of treatment. However, I still have cirrhoses. All treatment I get is Folbic which is some mix of vitamins B6-B12. They order a blood test which showed Alt 49 and AST 36. Ultrasound is good and showed no complications. The doctor ordered an endoscopy, but I can’t afford this even though I’ve to pay 20% only. The doctor scheduled an appointment in a half year and it seems he wouldn’t prescribe any other medicine to me. I know how danger cirrhoses is, so there is an option to take a stem cell therapy which is a new step to treat many diseases including cirrhoses as I heard. Nevertheless, some people say that stem cell therapy is kind of experimental at this time and can have inappropriate consequences. I have to make a decision so please say your own opinion regarding to my case. Thanks        

[orphanedhawk]

Wow, this is exciting. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

[disengof]

I found it here  http://www.stemcellclinic.com/en/clinic/treatment/0.html

[disengof]

Thanks. I'm negative and had been treated against Hepatitis C, genotype 3. I hope that condition of my liver will be improved with a time as you said. Thanks again

[orphanedhawk]

Thanks for enlightening me.
You always impress~ so full of information and kindness.
OH

[eureka254]

It's actually been in research for a number of years in mice models, and there's been some success in human trials.  I would be cautious about for-profit schemes, but clinical trials in the US are currently in development:

"Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in Liver Repair: 10 Years Down the Line"
Author:  Gilchrist, ES;Add.Author / Editor:  Plevris, JN  
Citation:  LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 16 (2): 118-129 FEB 2010  
Year:  2010  
Abstract:  Hematopoietic stem cells have potential in the field of regenerative medicine because of their capacity to form cells of different lineages. Bone marrow stem cells have been shown to contribute to parenchymal liver cell populations, and although this may not be functionally significant, it has sparked interest in the field of autologous stem cell infusion as a possible treatment for cirrhosis. In this review, we will examine the evidence for the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to populations of liver cells and for the functional contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to both liver fibrosis and repair. The mechanisms by which cells are trafficked from the bone marrow to the liver are complex; the stromal derived factor-1/CXC receptor 4 axis is central to this process. There are limited data in liver injury, but we will examine findings from the bone marrow transplantation literature and discuss their relevance to liver disease. Stromal derived factor-1 also has a role in endogenous liver stem cell accumulation. Some groups have already started infusing autologous bone marrow cells into patients with cirrhosis. We will review these trials in the context of the basic science that we have discussed, and we will consider targets for investigation in the future. Liver Transpl 16:118-129, 2010. (C) 2010 AASLD.  

[orphanedhawk]

Like Eureka mentioned, it takes time for the liver to heal. Think 5 years.
In the meantime, be good to your liver. Eat well and exercise.

Who is suggesting you do stem cell therapy?
Where will this be done?
Is this a clinical trial?
I've never heard of stem cell therapy for cirrhosis.

I'm very leery after a friend spent lots of money in Mexico doing stem therapy for her cancer. It didn't work and she died.

Please be careful and check everything out before going forward.

[eureka254]

It may be worthwhile to investigate what the trial entails and what the risks and possible side effects are... exploring a trial doesn't mean you're obligated to sign up.

  I'm presuming from what you said that you are currently well compensated cirrhosis (no symptoms)... if that is the case, you should also be pursuing the possibly of treatment with the new PIs (Incivek & Victrelis) if you are genotype 1.  If you cleared the virus, presumably damage to your liver would be less of a concern at this juncture; however, if you are still virus-positive, I think actively pursuing options would be wise.  

If you cannot afford an endoscopy, perhaps something to save up for in the future if you are concerned about progressing cirrhosis; also keep in mind that your SVRd and your liver is trying to repair itself, it may need more time than just a year or two before improvement can be measured.  Hope that helps... good luck with whatever you decide. ~eureka