Crossover Blinded Trial of Cell Therapy Versus Placebo in COPD

The aim of this randomized, controlled crossover designed study is to compare the outcomes of receiving autologous, adult stem cells versus placebo among participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study is limited to self-funded participants with a diagnosis of COPD. The study, along with others at the Lung Institute, have received full review and approval of an Institutional Review Board.

The purpose of the Lung Institute is to collect, minimally process, and administer a person's own stem cells and/or platelet rich plasma and deliver the product back to the patient same-day through an intravenous catheter. This study is limited to patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a double-blinded prospective, cohort trial using cross-over methodology. The aim of this study is to determine if stem cell therapy is better than placebo among a group of patients with COPD. 50 participants will be recruited for each arm of the study. Cohort A will receive three days of cell therapy using the venous procedure (three consecutive days of blood harvest, cell separation and cell application). Cohort A will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of placebo. Cohort B will receive three consecutive days of placebo. Cohort B will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of cell therapy using the venous procedure.

0 participants will be recruited for each arm of the study. Cohort A will receive three days of cell therapy using the venous procedure (three consecutive days of blood harvest, cell separation and cell application). Cohort A will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of placebo. Cohort B will receive three consecutive days of placebo. Cohort B will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of cell therapy using the venous procedure.

Only the on-site PI and research nurse administering the treatment or placebo will know which group the participant belongs to. Patients are blinded. All follow-up contact and measurement of outcomes will be done by off-site research nurses who are blinded.

Cohort A (Treatment Then Placebo group) will receive three days of cell therapy using the venous procedure (three consecutive days of blood harvest, cell separation and cell application). Cohort A will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of placebo.

Cohort B (Placebo Then Treatment group) will receive three consecutive days of placebo. Cohort B will return in three months and receive three consecutive days of cell therapy using the venous procedure.

Cohort A will receive stem cells/PRP infusion during round one then placebo of normal saline infusion during round two.

Cohort B will receive placebo of normal saline infusion during round one then stem cells/PRP infusion during round two.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients are included in treatment by self-referral and after consultation with a designated patient coordinator who determines initial eligibility, and then by the clinic nurse practitioner or physician of Lung Institute who determines final eligibility for inclusion. Patients must be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and be able to travel to the Dallas clinic location. Exclusion Criteria: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent, pregnant patients, prisoners, non-English speakers, patients with a history of cancer within the past 5 years, patients with active tuberculosis or pneumonia. Patients without a documented COPD diagnosis are excluded.