Overview of the Cell-El Stem Cell Therapy Blog Series

Cell-El studies stem cell therapy as a possible treatment for immune dysfunction. We have been observing this dysfunction in our diagnostic study of children with ASD. Our working theory is that immune dysfunction is possibly a root cause of ASD behavioral issues. By affecting change at the source, we can bring about change in behavior.

This is the first of three Cell-El blog posts where we will hear from two families about their child’s stem cell treatment. In the third, we will look at the different stem cell treatment delivery methods and the theorized pros and cons. Cell-El does not have an opinion as to which is the preferred method. Additional research is necessary.

Disclaimer: The views, practices and opinions expressed by the individuals in these posts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Cell-El Ltd

First-Hand Account of Stem Cell Treatment for a Child with Autism!

Today, Shira and Haggai Reiner share with Cell-El Ltd their first-hand experience with Stem Cell Therapy for their son Dolev. Prior to his third birthday, Dolev was diagnosed with epilepsy and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). While at birth, his parents realized that Dolev had his own way, they couldn’t foresee the journey as it unfolded.

Prior to stem cell therapy, Dolev presented as a low functioning, non-verbal child. He only spoke three word sentences and it was even difficult for him to gesture. Dolev suffered an average of eight seizures a day.  Needless to say he lagged behind his peers significantly.

Shira and Hagai searched for a therapy that would assist their son. They tried many behavioral and developmental therapies that were advised. When they asked their doctors about stem cell therapy treatment in Russia, their doctors advised against it. At this point, Dolev’s medical condition continued to deteriorate. He had drug-resistant, life-threatening epilepsy. His parents decided to try stem cell therapy. 

At five and eight months old, on March 10, 2019, “clinging to the hope that stem cell transplantation would improve Dolev’s communication skills enough to help us treat his seizures, we boarded the plane to Moscow,” Shira said. After Dolev’s first treatment, “suddenly there are buds of communication. He began to talk more and communicate. His functional levels rose. His health condition improved.”

“Dolev began to demonstrate a reciprocal game that did not exist before. He took a new toy – an ice cream cart – out of the suitcase, and led his siblings to play. The mutual play with the ice cream cart, while not as sophisticated as expected at its age, did not exist at all before.”

“About a week after treatment,” Shira relates, “we passed a mall near McDonalds, Dolev pointed  and said ‘I want a meal with a hamburger and french fries’. Spontaneous and complex sentence with seven words!” The convulsions also stopped.

Neurological Improvement

Shira and Hagai took Dolev to a neurologist in Israel and explained the stem cell treatment their son underwent. The results of the EEG she requested were completely normal!

The neurologist said another EEG should be done a few months later. And that too came back normal.

In October 2019 Dolev completed the process of withdrawal from anticonvulsants. In the meantime, the seizures have not returned.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Therapy

Dr. Sergei Makayev of Swiss Medica told the Reiners that there was a 70% chance of success for the epilepsy. Additionally, they recommended that if there was a good enough response to treatment, to repeat it again between half a year and a year, for up to five treatments. And so they did. 

The treatment itself included a sedative to relax Dolev and allow him to sleep and not move during the treatment. Once he fell asleep, a transfusion line was attached to his hand. The donor stem cells came from the placenta of a woman who gave birth in a nearby hospital. The treatment lasted a half hour

Dolev recently underwent his fourth stem cell transplant at the Swiss Medica clinic in Belgrade (due to the situation in Russia). The most significant change was that he now showers by himself.  Shira is grateful that “today we have an eight-year-old boy. Still with autism, but in high functioning, and without epilepsy.”

Helping Others

Shira told us that “during our journey we realized that something extraordinary was happening here and slowly we began to tell about the experience we were going through.” Using their experience and skills to help others, the Reiners created: “Autism Essentials Israel” The clinic provides education to parents of children with special needs and those around them. They assist in research, connecting medical teams from around the world or supporting and assisting research in reaching their target audience.

Help Us Help You

If your child is diagnosed with ASD and between the ages of 2-12 years old and you are planning to take them privately to a clinic offering Stem Cell treatment for ASD, please contact Leah at [email protected] or fill out the form to find out about eligibility to participate in  our diagnostic study.   

*Photo credit: Shira Reiner