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Report: Rick Perry had experimental stem cell therapy

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY
Updated

Updated at 12:46 p.m. ET

Texas Gov. Rick Perry got an injection of his own stem cells when he had back surgery last month -- an experimental therapy that's not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, according to a news report.

The Texas Tribune reported that the surgery on Perry, a possible GOP presidential contender, did not involve embryonic stem cells. Perry, like many conservatives, opposes the use of embryonic stem cells but is an avid supporter of adult stem-cell research.

Perry's spokesman, Mark Miner, confirmed the injection of adult stem cells in the Texas news story and said the procedure was "successful."

The FDA has approved adult stem cell therapy only for bone marrow transplants. Doctors say other uses are highly experimental and have expressed concern about expensive, untested stem cell treatments.

New York Yankees pitcher Bartolo Colon also has been injected with his own stem cells. Major League Baseball has been investigating Colon's use of the therapy on his arm.

After his surgery, Perry tweeted that the procedure to correct a recurring problem went fine, and he made no mention of the stem-cell experiment. Here's what Perry said on Twitter on July 1, with a reference to his wife, Anita:

Little procedure went as advertised. Blessed to be married to the world's best nurse. Thanks for all the prayers!!

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