Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is still studied, but effective method of treating severe diseases using your own body cells. These cells release particular biologically active substances - growth factors contributing to tissue regeneration. Doctors use it to recover nervous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and eye disorders, activating the internal reserves.
Cell therapy is a new medical field based on introducing drugs containing living human cells into the patient's body. Modern regenerative medicine involves using native (natural, non-manipulated) cells and cells after complex laboratory processing (cultivation or differentiation).
Stem cells are prototypes of body cells that can give rise to any tissue. These so-called "immature" or undifferentiated cells are contained in the body of every person, but a tiny amount. The body itself uses them to repair injured or diseased organs. But if the damage is more extensive, stem cells introduced as a biological drug can contribute to recovery in many cases.
Their regenerative function determines the therapeutic effect of stem cells. Today, cell therapy is one of the most promising approaches to treating diseases that until recently were considered incurable. The uniqueness of treatment is that doctors can direct and adjust the effect of stem cells, focusing the power exactly where it is needed.
Specially created cryobanks (biobanks), which provide long-term storage services for stem cells collected during childbirth (from umbilical cord blood and placenta), are now widely operating in the world.
Best hospitals for Stem cell therapy Worldwide
Teknon Medical Centre Barcelona
Department of tissue regeneration therapy and stem cell therapy
Centre of Advanced Medicine Frankfurt am Main
Department of alternative and integrative medicine
Best doctors for Stem cell therapy Worldwide
How is stem cell therapy carried out?
Depending on the treatment tactic, stem cells of various origins can be used - from skin, fat, and bone marrow. The collection of biological material is minimally invasive, and the patient returns to everyday life within half an hour after the procedure. After getting the material, doctors process the gathered tissues into reach stem cells substance. Cultivation of stem cells takes place in laboratory conditions according to the International Society for Stem Cell Research protocol.
The type, dosage and method of administration of stem cells depend on the patient's diagnosis, condition and age. The cells are preferably administered intravenously or into the tissue. So, patients are not exposed to significant interventions during the treatment.
As soon as the material enters the body, stem cells migrate to the affected organ by blood vessels. Finally, they contribute to the recovery of damaged cells and tissues to restore their functions.
Who might be a candidate for stem cell therapy?
Cellular technologies have opened up new opportunities for treating almost all human systems and organs. In addition, they make it possible to fully reveal the body's regenerative potential, speeding up recovery processes, slowing down ageing, and improving the general condition of the body.
A large number of diseases of various origins are treated directly with stem cells and drugs based on them:
- Severe neurological conditions (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, post-stroke, pain syndromes);
- Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteochondrosis, joint and ligament injuries);
- Cosmetic problems (hair loss, various skin defects, wrinkles), and many others.
Since the direction of regenerative medicine is intensively developing, new applications of cell technologies are constantly appearing.
High clinical effectiveness and safety are proven for cerebral palsy, autism, negative consequences of stroke, craniocerebral trauma, spinal cord lesions, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, cell therapy is an effective method of treating osteoporosis, as well as complications of type 2 diabetes.
It is worth noting that many research medical centres prove stem cells' positive effects in treating neurological pathologies in children. For example, neuroregeneration with the help of stem cells in combination with rehabilitation, behavioural and drug therapy significantly improves the condition of patients with cerebral palsy.
The second clinical trial phase on treating Alzheimer's disease with mesenchymal stem cells has begun in the USA. Cell therapy has also been proven to restore dopamine production in Parkinson's disease and is widely used in multiple sclerosis.
Orthopaedics doctors also actively use it to treat arthritis and worn-out joints. Doctors usually inject them into the joint directly. Stem cells help to restore cartilage and strengthen the ligaments.
Why do many patients decide to try stem cell therapy?
The introduction of stem cells makes it possible to restore tissues and organs thanks to the following mechanisms:
- Slowing down of ageing processes (in particular, increasing the activity of telomerase of chromosomes, which decreases with age);
- Activation of regenerative and metabolic processes;
- Correction of neurohumoral regulation;
- Stimulation of the immune system;
- Anti-inflammatory action.
The therapy has a targeted effect due to the migration ability. Unlike systemic drugs, stem cells are characterised by precisely directed action and high efficiency because they allow you to activate the innate regenerative potential.
Cell therapy is minimally invasive, painless, and a quick procedure, which is also a significant advantage for many patients. As a result, they can return to their everyday life on the same day without inconvenience.
Risks of stem cell treatment
Patients are often worried about safety because drugs are not sold in pharmacies, and not every doctor knows how to explain what kind of treatment it is. Moreover, there are dozens of reports on the Internet about complications from the illegal administration of drugs under the brand name "stem cells" in underground clinics.
Thus, cell therapy will be a highly effective and safe method of treatment only if two requirements are met:
- A licensed cryobank processes cellular material according to international standards.
- Treatment is carried out in certified centres with the appropriate permits, human resources and experience in cell therapy.
Despite the popularity and versatility of cell therapy, there are clinical situations in which it is not recommended to use it. These include the presence of such diseases as:
- Malignant tumours;
- Heart and respiratory failure;
- Blood coagulation issues;
- Purulent joint diseases;
- Infectious diseases in the acute phase.
Recovery from cell therapy
Recovery and postprocedure time depend on the type of transplant. For example, after an orthopaedic procedure, follow-up can be carried out with imaging methods such as an MRI scan.
While some patients can feel relief almost right away, doctors typically recommend patients avoid physical activity for around 2-6 weeks. With this timeline, the body will have adequate time to heal and regenerate healthy cells for the damaged area. You will usually be able to walk freely within 48 hours of the procedure, have a full range of motion almost immediately, and return to work within the first few days after the treatment.
Good healing during the first month after the procedure will give the best chance for success.
FAQ
What diseases can be treated with stem cells?
Diabetes, post-stroke, cirrhosis, eye diseases, injuries and burns are just a small part of what can be treated with drugs based on stem cells. In addition, conditions of musculoskeletal, neurological, immune, and cardiovascular systems are also an indication of stem cell therapy.
Why do patients visit foreign clinics for stem cell treatment?
All procedures and manipulations are performed by highly qualified personnel using innovative equipment. Clinics abroad also have a modern laboratory and diagnostic complex. Also, an essential guarantee of patient safety is the availability of the necessary licences for stem cell therapy.
How long does it take to have stem cells?
A typical stem cell treatment lasts about 90 minutes. It involves harvesting your healthy stem cells, spinning them in a centrifuge to separate out the cells you need, and re-injecting those cells into the treatment area. However, the usual treatment program might take up to 2 weeks depending on the cell processing technique.
Is stem cell research still ongoing?
Cell therapy is not a new treatment method and has long been used by scientists and doctors worldwide. Nevertheless, new possibilities and unknown effects are constantly being discovered. Stem cells have great potential, and scientists are doing everything possible to make maximum use of them. In addition, research is ongoing in creating organs (grown with the use of stem cells) for transplantation.
Is stem cell therapy a major procedure?
This is a minimally invasive intervention, which, depending on the method of administration, can be performed with or without anaesthesia. Compared to surgery, cell therapy does not involve incisions or open access.
What are the best clinics for Stem cell therapy?
Who are the best doctors for Stem cell therapy?
How much does stem cell treatment cost?
Cell therapy types differ greatly in technological complexity and, accordingly, in price. The average cost varies in 6,000 $ - 26,500 $.
Obtaining, researching, cryopreservation, and processing are the stages of the method which influence the price. It is also necessary to consider the way of administration, the required amount of the drug and sessions.