How stem cell therapy may help with ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, is the progressive loss of the motor neurons that carry instructions from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. As they fail, the muscles weaken. Conventional medication may slow the disease modestly, and rehabilitation, nutrition and respiratory care protect function. None addresses the inflammation around the neurons that remain.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in the nervous system.
- Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
- Treatment is delivered intravenously, so the cells reach the nervous system through the circulation.
- Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
- The protocol is written for your stage, your records and your goals.
Concerns to discuss with your care team
Weakness and muscle loss
A hand that drops things, a foot that catches, an arm that tires before the task is done.
Twitching and cramping
Muscles that flicker or seize on their own, day and night.
Speech and swallowing
Words that slur or take effort, and meals that have become careful work.
The pace of change
The measuring of every month against the last, and the strain it places on the whole family.
Who may be a candidate
Adults with ALS diagnosed by a neurologist, whose disease continues to progress under conventional care and who are well enough to travel, may be evaluated. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history, nerve studies, breathing function, current medication and fitness to travel, never by a form. We encourage a family member to join every conversation.
Treatment is not offered where advanced disease or breathing compromise makes travel unsafe, or where there is active infection, certain cancers, or other conditions identified in review. Where we do not believe treatment is appropriate, we will say so, plainly and early.
What to expect
1. Evaluation
A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records, nerve studies, breathing function and current treatment.
2. Treatment plan
Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.
3. Treatment in San José
Travel and stay arranged for you and a companion. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.
4. Follow-up care
Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home, and a report for your own physicians.
Investment
Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.
The Cellebration approach
- Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
- Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
- An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
- Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.