Peyton Manning Travels Abroad for Controversial Procedure

Football player Peyton Manning has traveled to Europe for stem cell therapy for his most recent injury, illustrating just how mainstream medical tourism is becoming. An up-and-coming trend in health care, medical tourism offers not only routine necessary and elective surgery, but can provide procedures and therapies that have been accepted abroad but have not make their way through the FDA pipeline as yet. Such is the case with many stem cell therapies.

SUMMARY: Stem cell therapy just got a boost from superstar quarterback Peyton Manning, who is hoping the controversial procedure will repair damage to his neck.

Manning, the popular Indiana Colts quarterback, has undergone several procedures over the years for chronic neck issues, with his most recent surgery just this summer. In an attempt to hasten the healing process,  he traveled across the Atlantic for a procedure not yet available in the United States.

Stem cells are the body's source of all cells for the maintenance and repair of tissues. Typically used in treatments for leukemia and several genetic diseases, the use of stem cells in treating spinal cord injuries is not proven, and experimental at best.

Stem cell therapy is regulated in the United States and is treated as a drug, rather than a therapy, requiring three trial phases before being medically accepted. The long duration required for the trials is a safety precaution but the bigger issue has been where the cells originate.

The use of embryonic stem cells has created a controversy that runs from Congress to the Supreme Court. Some oppose the use of these stem cells on religious or ethical grounds, while those who suffer from debilitating, fatal diseases are asking for leniency and allowing scientific research to continue. The legal battle has raged for years, with no sign of letting up.

Stem cells can also come from the patient themselves, which is the case with Manning. The hope is that the stem cell therapy will regenerate the nerve area in his neck and provide some relief, for both his own health and that of his team (which are off to a 0-2 start this season).

source : healthnews . com

[tags medical,medicine,health]