Lung Institute Doctor Presents on Stem Cells at International Congress in Italy

PR Web

Tampa, Fla. (PRWEB) November 18, 2016

Lung Institute doctor Jack Coleman, Jr., M.D. will present at the Third International Congress on Responsible Stem Cell Research in Padua, Italy this week. The event is held to discuss application of stem cells today, and also their potential tomorrow. Dr. Coleman discusses how the traditional process of introducing new medicine can be limiting for new technologies such as stem cell therapy.

"Stem cell technologies are reshaping how medicine is practiced in the U.S., yet our traditional way of introducing a medication, instrument or procedure has been found to be too slow, too expensive, too cumbersome and frequently, not applicable to the situation," said Dr. Coleman.

In his presentation, Dr. Coleman will examine the current functioning and funding of research, including the process from which a treatment is taken from the laboratory to clinical trials and treatment. He will discuss how these processes are regulated, and the effect on time and cost of making new treatments available to patients. The current way of doing things, Dr. Coleman argues, is outdated and may hinder progress. He will also review other countries' solutions, and the resulting implications for patient care.

The Third International Congress on Responsible Stem Cell Research is sponsored by The Pontifical Academy for Life of the Roman Catholic Church. The theme this year is "From Cells to Cell Products. Development of New Therapeutic Tools." In addition to the Lung Institute doctor, many speakers will discuss how stem cells function in the body, ethical implications and the various stakeholders, including researchers, the Catholic Church, patients and physicians. Nobel Prize winner Yamanaka Shinya will also join through video conference.

It is no secret that stem cell technologies are reshaping how medicine is practiced in the U.S. Dr. Coleman makes the point that, in the U.S. today, research is mainly funded by biotechnology companies and the government, and the regulatory agencies are under government control. The expenses are passed to the consumer and/or insurance companies; however, with global advancement and application, these expenses may not be passed on fairly. Because of this, patients may look for treatment from sources that are less controlled. This drives caregivers and scientists to become self-appointed guardians of materials and knowledge based on moral and ethical concerns.

Ultimately, Dr. Coleman concludes in stating, "Our responsibility is to give the best, safest treatment to patients to relieve pain and suffering and prolong quality of life. Our world is getting smaller, knowledge is becoming more egalitarian and medical care becoming more standardized across nations. At some point, we may realize that healthcare development from bench to bedside needs to progress beyond national sovereignty and become a global effort."

About the Lung Institute

The Lung Institute is the leading medical provider of regenerative cellular therapy for lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease in the United States. To date the organization has treated over 3,000 patients. The Lung Institute's in-house outcomes summary shows that 84.5 percent of COPD patients studied saw an improvement in their quality of life. In 2013, the Lung Institute in Tampa, Fla. opened. Now, the Lung Institute operates clinics in Tampa, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Pittsburgh, Pa. and Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.lunginstitute.com or call (800) 382-8095.