Overview:
A groundbreaking stem cell treatment at the Keck Medical Center of USC is offering new hope for spinal cord injury patients after a young California man regained significant motor function following a devastating accident. As part of an experimental clinical trial, doctors injected specialized stem cell-derived cells directly into his cervical spine—leading to measurable improvements in mobility, independence, and daily function within months. The case highlights the growing potential of regenerative medicine to restore neurological function and reshape outcomes for patients once believed to face permanent paralysis.
By Presence News Staff
A groundbreaking stem cell treatment performed at Keck Medical Center of USC is offering new hope to patients suffering from severe spinal cord injuries, following a remarkable recovery in a young California man.
According to a 2016 report from USC Health Sciences, Kristopher (Kris) Boesen, then just shy of his 21st birthday, suffered a devastating cervical spinal cord injury after a car accident in Bakersfield. Doctors initially warned his family that he could be permanently paralyzed from the neck down.
A First-of-Its-Kind Treatment in California
Boesen became one of the first patients in California to receive an experimental stem cell therapy known as AST-OPC1, administered as part of a multi-center clinical trial.
The procedure was led by Dr. Charles Liu at the USC Neurorestoration Center, in collaboration with Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and Keck Medicine of USC.
Doctors injected 10 million stem cell-derived AST-OPC1 cells directly into Boesen’s cervical spinal cord, aiming to restore neurological function—something traditional spinal surgeries rarely achieve.
“With this study, we are testing a procedure that may improve neurological function… the difference between being permanently paralyzed and being able to use one’s arms and hands,” Liu explained.
Rapid Signs of Recovery
The results were both fast and encouraging.
- 2 weeks post-surgery: Early signs of improvement appeared
- 3 months post-treatment: Boesen regained significant function
He was able to:
- Feed himself
- Use his cellphone
- Write his name
- Operate a motorized wheelchair
- Hug friends and family
These improvements marked a dramatic shift from initial expectations of complete paralysis.
Doctors reported that Boesen regained function across two spinal cord levels, a critical milestone that restored meaningful independence in daily life.
Why This Matters
This experimental therapy represents a major shift.
The AST-OPC1 cells used in the trial are derived from stem cells and engineered into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which support nerve function and may help repair damaged neural pathways.
Researchers believe the treatment may:
- Promote nerve regeneration
- Restore signal transmission
- Improve long-term mobility outcomes
A “Fighting Chance” for Patients
Boesen himself described the treatment as giving him something invaluable:
“All I’ve wanted from the beginning was a fighting chance… If there’s a chance for me to walk again, then I want to do anything possible.”
While doctors remain cautious about long-term predictions, the early results signal a promising future for regenerative medicine and spinal injury recovery.
Looking Ahead
The procedure is part of a Phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluating both safety and effectiveness.
Keck Medical Center of USC is one of only a handful of sites in the United States authorized to administer the treatment, positioning it at the forefront of stem cell research and neurological recovery.
This article references a clinical case originally reported in 2016.
While the results highlighted remain significant in demonstrating early progress in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries, readers should note that this was part of an experimental clinical trial. Ongoing research and advancements in regenerative medicine may have further developed since this initial case.
Presence News includes this story for its continued relevance in showcasing breakthrough medical innovation and the evolving potential of stem cell treatments.
