Innovations in Stem Cell Treatment for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects over 24 million Americans and is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Despite advances in medicine, the standard of care for COPD treatment has remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades, leaving patients with few options. Through research it has been found that stem cells can help slow the progress of COPD. On today’s show, we welcome Dr. James St. Louis from the Lung Institute to discuss how their research with stem cells have helped slow the progress of COPD. Through a noninvasive process, the patient’s own blood or bone marrow the stem cells are separated and returned via IV to enter the bloodstream, during the procedure the stem cells are trapped in the lungs, called a pulmonary trap, it’s a happy occurrence for those looking to slow down the progression of COPD.