After years of medication management of their rheumatoid arthritis, many patients are left with pain and limitations from joint damage caused by RA. Fortunately, several studies demonstrate a high level of effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells applies to the joints damaged by the immune disorder. While stem cell treatment for RA won’t “cure” the underlying immune disorder, it is effective for regenerating cartilage and bone lost during periods of inflammation. Other RA treatments stabilize the condition, but don’t make the cartilage grow back. This is where stem cells can play a major role and restoring comfort and mobility to people with RA-related joint problems.

Evidence Supporting Adult Stem Cells to Treat RA

The following study by Gonzalez et al. suggests that adipose (fat) derived stem cells are “attractive therapeutic candidates” for RA and other immune disorders. The researchers concluded that human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells act as regulators of immune tolerance and have the ability to suppress T cell and inflammatory responses. In the study, the stem cells induced generation and activation of antigen-specific regulatory T cells.

Gonzalez-Rey, E., Gonzalez, M. Varela, N., O’Valle, F., Hernandez-Cortes, Rico, L., Buscher, D., Delgado, M. (2010). Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammatory and T Cell Response and Induce Regulatory T Cells In Vitro in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Annals of Rheumatic Disease, 69:01 241-248. http://ard.bmj.com/content/69/01/241.short

Another study by Jorgenson et al. concluded that mesenchymal stem cells “seem to be the best candidates for cell therapy for regeneration of injured tissue. They are easily isolated from bone marrow and can be rapidly amplified up to 2000-fold over about 10 days. When these cells are implanted into cartilage defects, they appear to be able to proliferate and differentiate into chondrocytes. This procedure is of considerable relevance for the regeneration of large areas of cartilage lesions.”

Jorgenson, L., Noel, D., Apparailly, F., and Sany, J. (2001). Stem Cells for the Repair of Cartilage and Bone: the Next Challenge in Osteoarthritis and Rhematoid Arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases , 60(4)305-309.http://ard.bmj.com/content/60/4/305.short

Numerous other international studies support stem cell therapy for RA, showing good results in a large proportion of patients.

Where to Find Stem Cell Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dr. William F. Bennett’s practice is unique in the Sarasota / Venice / Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch / North Port area. In addition to being an established, highly credentialed orthopedic surgeon with dual fellowships specializing in shoulder surgery and knee arthroscopy, Dr. Bennett is unique in that for several years his practice has been a destination for patients from all over the U.S. and from overseas seeking cutting edge adult stem cell treatments for orthopedic conditions. Dr. Bennett’s extensive experience using stem cells includes stem cell treatment as an alternative to surgery, and stem cells used with surgery. Dr. Bennett has been able to help patients ranging from top international athletes to patients who were told they were “too old” or “too sick” for surgery, using stem cells.

The Stem Cell Treatment for RA Experience

Dr. Bennett founded a patient-focused boutique practice, not an orthopedic factory, so he can spend time with his patients and determine the best course of treatment. This is one of the reasons, in addition to his credentials, that he has so many stellar outcomes and patient testimonials. If Dr. Bennett determines that adult stem cell treatment is appropriate for healing the damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, he will determine which of his several kinds of equipment to use and whether to use adipose or bone marrow derived stem cells for the procedure, depending on the tissue to be regenerated. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient surgery center, but Dr. Bennett’s patients are usually comfortable and the procedure is less expensive when performed in his office with non-narcotic oral pain medication. Stem cells are extracted from fat or bone using a needle, and then directed to the site of the damaged tissue using ultrasound equipment.

How long does it take to work?

Regenerating healthy tissue can take weeks or months, and pain usually improves as healthy tissue is restored. However it is not uncommon that Dr. Bennett’s stem cell patients feel 50-80 percent better within a few days of the procedure

What if I do not live near Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, or North Port? What if I am travelling from another state of country to see Dr. Bennett?

If you are out of state or travelling internationally, Dr. Bennett can arrange a phone consultation and MRI or X-Ray review. Our office can help you coordinate your trip to Sarasota and where to stay when you are in town for your procedure.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bennett, Call (941) 953-5509, or fill out our online appointment request form.