In July 2013, the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center (MSCTC) was created by Kansas Legislature with the mission to facilitate existing research and therapy on a global level, as well as to establish a frontier for other research and therapies for patients suffering from diseases.
Funded initially through State appropriation, the Center also operates off the generosity of donors through the University of Kansas Endowment Association. The 15-member advisory board is composed of members appointed by the governer, the House, Senate, Board of Regents and several other stakeholder entities.
Adult stem cell treatments have been used clinically to successfully treat leukemia and related bone/blood cancers using bone marrow transplantation. KU Medical Center has been involved in research using the solid part of the umbilical cord (Wharton’s jelly).
Besides KU Medical Center, other institutions around the state have also initiated adult stem cell research projects. However, before the MSCTC, there was no systematic mechanism for Kansans to receive adult stem cell therapy (other than bone marrow transplants for a few conditions) in the state or in the region, nor was there a coordinated center to translate basic stem cell research findings into clinical applications. The MSCTC is also working to educate the public, as well as medical professionals about adult stem cell therapeutic options, currently available or in development, that could benefit patients in need.
