Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: What the Evidence Says & How We Treat
Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement, mood, and quality of life. Medications such as levodopa remain the cornerstone of care, but some patients look for therapies that may support the brain’s healing environment. At CRC, we offer donor‑derived (allogeneic) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosomes as an adjunctive option for carefully selected patients—always in coordination with a patient’s neurology team.
Parkinson’s in Brief
PD is a progressive neurologic condition characterized by tremor, slowness (bradykinesia), rigidity, and balance changes. Non‑motor symptoms—sleep issues, constipation, anxiety, and cognitive changes—are also common. Standard care includes medication optimization, exercise, nutrition, and in selected cases deep‑brain stimulation (DBS).
Why Consider a Regenerative Approach?
MSCs do not “cure” PD or replace the role of proven therapies. Instead, they are studied for their potential to modulate neuro‑inflammation, provide neurotrophic support (e.g., BDNF, GDNF‑like signaling), and improve cellular communication through their secretome and exosomes. The goal is to support the brain’s environment, which may translate into better function and quality of life for some patients.
What the Evidence Says (Balanced View)
- Safety: Early studies of umbilical‑cord‑derived MSCs delivered intravenously or intrathecally report acceptable safety profiles when processed under strict standards.
- Signals of benefit: Small trials and case series have observed improvements in motor scales, fatigue, or non‑motor symptoms in subsets of patients. Protocols vary widely (cell source, dose, IV vs. intrathecal, with/without exosomes), and responses are heterogeneous.
- Limitations: Larger, blinded randomized studies are still needed to determine durability, ideal dosing, and which patients benefit most. Stem cells are an adjunct, not a replacement for neurologic care.
What We Use at CRC
CRC does not harvest cells from patients. We use allogeneic umbilical‑cord‑derived MSCs and exosomes from rigorously screened donors. Products are prepared and quality‑checked in our COFEPRIS‑licensed in‑house lab; each lot carries a certificate of purity, viability, and cell count.
Delivery Routes
- Intravenous (IV): Systemic delivery designed to modulate systemic inflammation and reach the central nervous system via immune and endothelial pathways.
- Intrathecal (IT): Image‑guided delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid (lumbar puncture) to place signals closer to neural tissues. This route is considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Therapy is individualized. Some plans combine IV MSCs with exosomes; IT dosing is considered only after a specialist risk–benefit review.
Who Might Be a Candidate?
| ✅ May Be Considered | ⚠️ Usually Not a Candidate |
|---|---|
| Diagnosed PD with stable medication regimen; motivated for rehab | Uncontrolled hypertension/diabetes, active infection, bleeding disorder |
| Persistent motor/non‑motor symptoms despite optimal standard care | Severe dementia or psychosis, recent stroke/MI |
| No contraindication to IV or (if proposed) intrathecal procedures | Inability to pause anticoagulants when medically required for IT |
Important: We never make changes to Parkinson’s medications without your neurologist’s guidance. Our team collaborates with your clinicians for safety and continuity.
Treatment Day at CRC—Step by Step
- Specialist consult: Review of diagnosis, goals, and medical history; baseline motor and non‑motor assessments.
- Consent & planning: Confirm IV vs. IV+intrathecal approach; review pre‑/post‑procedure instructions.
- Cell preparation: Allogeneic MSCs/exosomes are selected, thawed, and prepared with full documentation.
- Administration: IV infusion (about 30–60 minutes). If intrathecal is indicated, it is performed under sterile, image‑guided conditions by an experienced clinician.
- Observation & discharge: Short monitoring period; you leave with a tailored recovery and rehab plan.
Recovery, Rehab & Follow‑Up
- Most patients return to light activity the next day; minor soreness or fatigue may occur transiently.
- We encourage ongoing exercise, physical therapy, speech therapy as appropriate, sleep optimization, and nutrition.
- Follow‑ups typically occur at 1, 3, and 6 months to review function and adjust the plan.
Safety & Ethics
CRC uses donor‑derived umbilical cord MSCs and exosomes—no embryonic stem cells. Batches are screened for infectious disease and processed under quality systems. All procedures carry risks (headache after lumbar puncture, bleeding, infection, allergic reactions). We review your medications, including anticoagulants, and coordinate with your neurologist to minimize risk.
How This Fits with Standard Parkinson’s Care
| Treatment | Primary Goal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medication (e.g., levodopa) | Replace dopamine to improve motor symptoms | First‑line; dosing individualized by neurology |
| DBS | Electrical modulation of circuits | For selected patients with medication complications |
| Rehabilitation & lifestyle | Maintain mobility, balance, voice, and mood | Essential at every stage |
| MSCs / Exosomes (CRC) | Modulate inflammation and support neural environment | Adjunct to—not a replacement for—neurology care |
Meet the Team Behind Your Care
Get to know our multidisciplinary physicians and the clinicians who perform intrathecal and IV procedures, coordinate rehab, and follow your progress.
Inside Our Clinic
Tour our modern procedure rooms, imaging suite, and patient amenities located minutes from the San Diego border—designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Our In‑House, COFEPRIS‑Licensed Lab
Learn how donor‑derived MSCs and exosomes are processed, tested, and documented before your procedure. No patient harvest is required.
Educational content only; not medical advice. Parkinson’s care must be individualized by qualified clinicians. Please contact a CRC specialist with your specific health questions—con gusto consultaremos con un especialista de CRC.
