We appreciate the great topic suggestions that our readers send us. Many of our readers ask us about unapproved treatments for IPF. Unapproved means not sufficiently researched or approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Stem Cell Infusion
Over the years I have talked about the dangers of these “treatments”. The most publicized for IPF is “STEM CELL INFUSION”. There are many of these locations across the United States. Patients who are desperate for a cure are often drawn to the polished sales pitches and patient testimonials. The FDA has issued warnings against these treatments. They have not been scientifically proven to be beneficial in the treatment of IPF. Not only are these pretend treatments not helpful, they can be harmful.
Laser Therapy
Another unapproved and insufficiently studied treatment is the use of laser therapy to treat IPF. You can find amazing stories of patients dramatically improved by laser treatment. These too good to be true stories are just that, too good to be true!
Over the last few years there have been a couple very small-scale studies in a rat model of IPF. These models have suggested that there may be some mild decrease in the extent of scar tissue formation in animals that were exposed to a lung toxin and then treated with laser therapy. These types of animal studies though interesting are a very long way from proving that this treatment is effective in humans. Save your money and time. In general, treatments that rely on testimonials rather than published scientific data should be avoided. Unfortunately, at this time, any treatment for IPF that promises a cure is not sufficiently backed by science.
Nutritional Supplements
Many patients have also reported purchasing nutritional supplements or enzymes that can improve IPF over the internet. It sounds so great. You just pay a few hundred dollars a month and swallow a few tablets. These enzymes will just dissolve the scar in your lungs. What an amazing idea. Unfortunately, there is no combination of supplements and enzymes approved by the FDA to improve or cure IPF. While good nutrition is certainly important to overall health and may help a member feel well, nutrition is not a treatment/cure for IPF.
When you eat something, your digestive system breaks down the proteins into their building blocks. Thus, the enzyme that you put in your mouth reaches your blood stream in tiny fragments called amino acids. These amino acids are the same basic building blocks that would reach your blood stream if you ate a sandwich or a steak.
The IPF community is actively working towards the development of effective and safe treatments. Choose treatments that have been scientifically evaluated and FDA approved or participate in ongoing monitored research studies through your IPF specialist. If it sounds too good to be true, then certainly it is.