Scleroderma
REGENERATIVE TREATMENT FOR SCLERODERMA IN LONDON
With a proven track record in regenerative medicine, you’re in safe hands.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that can cause thickened and discoloured areas of itchy skin. It can also affect blood vessels and internal organs, which can lead to other symptoms such as high blood pressure. There are various types of scleroderma, the main two categories of which are ‘localised’ (which just affects the skin) and ‘systematic’ (which also affects other parts of the body, such as muscles, kidneys, the heart, and the digestive system).
Treatments for scleroderma include medication to improve blood circulation or to regulate the immune system, steroids, moisturisers to reduce itchiness, or in certain cases surgery to remove lumps from under the skin or to loosen muscles. Recent research into the use of stem cell treatments in order to treat scleroderma has also shown promising results.
Stem cell therapy is a relatively new discipline of regenerative medicine. Where there is an established medical need, a clinician may now prescribe stem cell therapy as a treatment within the UK, in accordance with regulation by the Human Tissue Authority.
DR KHAN SAYS
“Regenerative treatments are an option for people who may have already tried, or considered, conventional treatments. Research using stem cells with latest technology has shown promising results.”
DR TEE SAYS
“Stem cells are located throughout the body and act as natural healers. Studies suggest that when used for medical purposes, stem cells have the potential to accelerate tissue repair, stimulate tissue regeneration, and decrease inflammation.”
SCLERODERMA AND STEM CELL RESEARCH
Scleroderma occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks connective tissue below the skin and around organs. This triggers cells to overproduce collagen, which leads to scarring and hardening of tissue. The severity of the condition can range from mild to life threatening, depending on the various sub-types of scleroderma. Underlying causes may include genetic factors or exposure to harmful substances, such as certain organic solvents.
Stem cells are of interest as a potential treatment for scleroderma due to their regenerative properties, which include regulating the immune system. Following a study in 2018, the National Institutes of Health in the USA stated: “New clinical trial findings show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a person’s own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma.” [1]
Localised scleroderma can affect people of any age, but often occurs in children. It can be mild and may clear over time, or can typically result in thickened skin on the face, scalps, arms or legs. Systemic scleroderma often begins with Reynauld’s phenomenon, which starts with spasms of the blood vessels in fingers and toes, which can progress to cause the extremities to turn white or blue.
A number of studies and clinical trials are underway in order to establish how different types of stem cell therapies may potentially help people with scleroderma. Research in the UK found that patients with severe systemic scleroderma who respond poorly to certain drug treatments were the most likely to benefit. [2]
Research in China has also suggested that adipose-derived stem cells in fat transfers may be able to play a role in the treatment of localised scleroderma. However, different patients may respond in different ways to various treatments, hence a personalised approach is likely to be required for every patient.
WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?
Stem cells are special types of cell that occur naturally within the body. They have the ability to replicate themselves or develop into different types of cells through a process known as differentiation.
Hence stem cells have the potential to become new cells in order to perform specific functions. For example, they can differentiate to become blood cells or other types of cell that are active within the immune system. This process enables stem cells not only to play a unique role in the body’s ability to heal itself, but also to encourage the growth of healthy tissue.
HOW ARE STEM CELLS USED IN MEDICINE?
Whilst stem cell therapy is relatively new, stem cells have been the subject of over 40 years of research and there have been a large number of clinical trails. A limited number of treatments for certain medical conditions are now available in the UK.
When used for medical purposes, research suggests stem cells can accelerate tissue repair, stimulate tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, and stimulate new blood vessel growth.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE THERE FOR SCLERODERMA?
There are number of established treatments for scleroderma, which your doctor can advise you upon. These include steroids, medication to improve blood circulation, and drugs that regulate the autoimmune system.
However, the treatment regime is likely to vary from patient to patient depending on the severity and underlying nature of the condition in each individual. There are a number of clinical trials underway into the use of stem cell therapy.
Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK, a charity that supports people with the condition, has stated: “The results of a study spanning several years indicate that there may be long-term benefits of stem cell transplant in those suffering from severe scleroderma.” [2]
CAN I HAVE STEM CELL THERAPY?
Stem cell therapy may be considered for people who require an alternative approach to established procedures. It may be suitable for patients aged 18 to 75 or children in special circumstances, whose condition is stable enough to undergo treatment.
The first stage is to book a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner, who will assess your medical history in order to potentially make a pre-approval application. A multi-disciplinary panel of experts will then consider your application.
If you application is approved, you will then be invited undergo a full health screening and detailed tests to ensure stem cell treatment is an appropriate approach for you. Provided you pass the assessment criteria, you may then begin treatment.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT INVOLVE?
Patients generally require a preparation period that may involve a number of procedures to ensure your regenerative system is at its most receptive. The stem cells can typically then be injected into the body, which depending on the nature of your condition can either be done by intra-tissue injection.
WHERE DO THE STEM CELLS COME FROM?
The stem cells may be either ‘autologous’ or ‘allogeneic’. Autologous stem cells are processed after being harvested from tissue from the patient’s own body, whereas allogeneic stem cells are cultured in a laboratory from a donated source. In our clinics we only use ‘Autologous’ tissue- derived cells. ‘Allogeneic’ cells are currently used for research purposes, or by the NHS for bone marrow transplantation.
HOW ARE STEM CELLS REGULATED?
Stem cell therapies are classed as nouvelle treatments or ‘specials’, which are a permissible category of medicines that are available to meet the clinical needs of an individual patient.
The progress of stem cell patients is carefully monitored and the treating team have a regulatory duty to report any relevant findings to the responsible research NHS Body, with a view to stem cell therapy becoming a standardised licensed treatment in the future.
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ABOUT DR KHAN AND DR TEE
The Cellular & Regenerative practice in Harley Street was co-founded by Dr Aamer Khan, author of the forthcoming book, ‘Aesthetic Treatments in Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells, Stromal Vascular Fraction, Platelet Rich Plasma, and Platelet Rich Fibrin.’
Dr Aamer Khan
Qualifying as a Doctor at the University of Birmingham in 1986 with an MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), Dr Khan completed his postgraduate training in University Hospitals Birmingham. He spent 24 years working within the NHS, including many years in General Practice in a community with the largest proportion of elderly population in the UK. This led to his passion to study cellular and regenerative medicine, and develop an integrative approach to his medical practice.
As part of his cellular and regenerative interest, Dr. Khan’s Clinic, was one of the first to work with Cytori Stem Cell Technologies in 2008. In 2010, he retired from the NHS to refine protocols at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, and develop his integrative medical practice and the Cellular + Regenerative clinic.
Dr Mike Tee
Dr Mike Tee MB, BChir, BSc (Hons), DLO, DRCOG, MRCGP, is a Cambridge medical graduate, and has over 25 years of experience in the medical profession. Dr Tee is well regarded as an expert in Dermal Fillers, PRP, Thread Lifts, Mole Removal & dermatological minor surgery. Dr. Tee has worked very closely with Dr. Khan and developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in integrative and regenerative medicine.
Sources
1 – NIH: “Stem cell transplant for severe scleroderma improves survival, quality of life” (2018)
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/stem-cell-transplant-severe-scleroderma-improves-survival-quality-life
2 – SRUK: Stem cell transplants and Scleroderma
https://www.sruk.co.uk/about-us/news/stem-cell-transplants-may-be-next-new-therapy-scle/
NHS: Scleroderma
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scleroderma/
Healthline: Scleroderma
https://www.healthline.com/health/scleroderma