A Leap of Faith: Stem Cells and Surgery Give Toddler a Chance at a Brighter Future
For 20-month-old Nixon, each tentative step is a miracle. Diagnosed with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, Nixon defied the odds thanks to a groundbreaking clinical trial combining fetal surgery with stem cell therapy.
A Devastating Diagnosis and a Glimmer of Hope
Jared & Lindsey Metcalf’s world shifted dramatically during Lindsey’s fifth pregnancy. Routine blood work revealed elevated markers indicative of a neural tube defect.
“We actually got a phone call on Halloween that my bloodwork had come back slightly elevated,” Lindsey recalled.
A subsequent ultrasound confirmed their worst fears: their unborn child had spina bifida.
Speaking of his son’s progress, Jared said, “Obviously every child you love and care for…it’s just different because of what he’s going through and what he’s gone through.”
Totally devastated at the news, the parents clung to hope.
Lindsey qualified for a unique, first-of-its-kind surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Diana Farmer, a fetal surgery pioneer, led the charge.
“This is the first time we have ever put stem cells inside of a fetus’ central nervous system,” Dr. Farmer explained.
Navigating uncharted territory, surgeons placed a patch of stem cells on Nixon’s back before closing it up.
The goal? To reverse the effects of spina bifida while Nixon was still developing in the womb.On February 24, 2023, Nixon was born. His story was just beginning.
His scar is a testament to his journey, a visible marker of the battle fought before he even took his first breath.
Tiny Steps, Giant Leaps
From moment to milestone, Nixon’s journey is a testament to the power of both cutting-edge medicine and a mother’s unwavering faith. “He makes me want to be better, because of who he is,” Jared said.
His first smiles were celebrations. Each milestone, from first smiles to his tentative steps, fueled the hope.
‘There is something very special when I lay on the ground in our living room and he comes over to me and tries to tackle me,’ Jared said with a chuckle. ‘It’s pretty awesome’.”
While still in its early stages. Dr. Farmer remains encouraged by Nixon’s progress.
“I can say it looks promising,” Dr. Farmer shared. “You see patients like Nixon and it’s hard not to be pretty excited.”
A Ray of hope
What are the potential benefits of this combined fetal surgery and stem cell therapy for treating spina bifida?
## A Leap of Faith: Interview with Dr. [Expert Name] on Stem Cell Treatment for Spina Bifida
**Host:** Today, we’re joined by Dr. [Expert Name], a leading specialist in fetal surgery and stem cell therapy. Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for being here.
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** We’ve heard incredible stories about a groundbreaking clinical trial combining fetal surgery with stem cell therapy to treat spina bifida. Can you explain this procedure and its potential impact?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Absolutely. Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn’t fully close during pregnancy. This can lead to paralysis, bladder and bowel issues, and other complications. Traditional treatment involves surgery after birth, but the damage is often already done.
This new trial, however, is revolutionary. It involves performing surgery in utero, before the baby is born, to close the gap in the spinal cord. Then, stem cells are injected to promote healing and minimize nerve damage [[1](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221006164820.htm)].
**Host:** It sounds incredibly promising. We recently featured the story of Nixon, a young boy who participated in this trial. He’s now taking his first tentative steps. What kind of impact can this treatment have on children like Nixon?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** The potential is truly remarkable. This approach could significantly improve mobility, bladder and bowel control, and overall quality of life for children with spina bifida. We’re still in the early stages of research, but early results are very encouraging.
**Host:** What are the next steps in this research?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** We need to continue studying the long-term effectiveness and safety of this treatment. We’re also looking at ways to improve the procedure and make it more widely available.
**Host:** This is truly groundbreaking work, Dr. [Expert Name]. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us and for giving us hope for a brighter future for children with spina bifida.
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Thank you for having me.
