Stem-Cell Clinics for AMD Treatments: Choose Wisely

People considering stem-cell therapy for eye-related issues need to take precautions in choosing clinics at which to have their procedures, warned Ocular Surgery News in January 2017. Patients should “find clinics that are licensed, associated with an academic center, have a history of running clinical trials and do not require patients to pay out of pocket.”

genetic research abstract blue background 3d illustration In a presentation to the American Society of Retina Specialists, Dr. Ajay E. Kuriyan of the University of Rochester reported that three patients who underwent bilateral intravitreal injection of stem-cells for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suffered bilateral vision loss. The clinic at which all three procedures were performed did not have a licensed ophthalmologist on-site, and the stem-cell injections were administered by a nurse practitioner, Ocular Surgery News reported. Each patient paid $5,000 for the procedure.

Kuriyan told Ocular Surgery News that there are several warning signs for potentially dangerous clinics, including whether the facility is a standalone clinic that is not affiliated with an academic institution or has no history of conducting clinical trials. The other big warning sign, he said, is if patients are asked to pay.

“Stem-cell treatments hold great promise for the treatment of AMD and other eye conditions,” DEF Medical Director Dr. Anthony Nesburn said. “Patients — and physicians — need to take great care in choosing the right studies in which to access such treatments.”

Lauren Hauptman