Family Supports 'Life-Saving' Stem Cell Treatment, But Experts Advise Caution

By Marina Trajkovich

ABC Mid North Coast

Topic: Stem Cells

Reid Mowle was one of 54 Australians with a rare eye condition called septo-optic dysplasia with optic nerve hypoplasia.

In short:

Parents are trying new stem cell treatments for rare diseases, hoping they will be available in Australia soon.

Reid Mowle has a rare eye condition, and his parents saw improvements after he got treatment in Thailand.

What's next?

Experts say many stem cell treatments have not been proven to work and are not used in Australia yet.

When Reid was diagnosed, doctors said he would probably be blind.

Reid's parents were told he might only be able to see if a light was on or off.

Reid is five years old and has autism and septo-optic dysplasia, a condition that affects his optic nerve.

This condition is rare and only affects 54 Australians.

Reid got stem cell therapy to help his eye condition.

In 2023, Reid's mom took him to Thailand for stem cell therapy that is not available in Australia.

Stem cell treatments are strictly regulated in Australia and must be proven safe and effective.

Reid's mom wanted to try new technologies that might help her son.

Reid's mom hopes he can get the treatment again, which she says was 'life-changing'.

After the treatment, Reid's mom saw a change in him.

Reid noticed someone standing in the doorway, which was a new development.

This was the first sign that the treatment was working.

Reid is still blind, but the surgery helped him.

Reid can now see his mom smiling, which is a big improvement.

The treatment gave Reid more independence and safety.

Reid uses Braille to read.

Overseas treatment risks

Stem cells are cells that can become any other type of cell.

Scientists are working on using stem cells to repair damaged cells.

Megan Munsie is a professor who studies stem cell technologies.

Stem cell therapies are used to treat some blood conditions like leukemia.

Professor Munsie is a leading researcher on stem cells.

Many overseas treatments have not been approved or tested in Australia.

Experts want to make sure new treatments are safe and work well.

Some clinics that offer stem cell treatments are not trustworthy.

There are few approved stem cell treatments available.

Reid's mom has no regrets about taking him to Thailand for treatment.

Reid's mom was careful when choosing a stem cell treatment provider.

The treatment provider, Beike Biotechnology, did not respond to questions.

One of Reid's doctors advised against the treatment due to concerns about its effectiveness.

Reid's mom got help from others when researching the treatment.

Reports show that Reid's vision improved after the treatment.

Reid's visual acuity improved from 1/60 to 3/60.

Reid's eyesight improved, according to vision assessments.

Not a 'panacea'

Professor Munsie cannot comment on individual cases.

Stem cells are not a magic solution for all diseases.

It is hard to predict how stem cells will behave in the body.

Professor Munsie advises people to talk to their doctors before getting treatment overseas.

Reid's mom is concerned about his safety and independence.

Reid's mom hopes he can get more stem cell treatments in Australia.

Having access to stem cell treatments in Australia would be helpful for many families.

Eyes on the future

Alex Hewitt is a specialist in genetic eye diseases and stem cell treatments.

Professor Alex Hewitt says there is no clear evidence that stem cells can help septo-optic dysplasia.

Stem cell therapies for eye conditions are promising but still being researched.

The eyes are a good target for stem cell therapies because they are a small organ.

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