Stem Cell Therapy

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Bone marrow is a soft fatty tissue that can be found in the bones. The bone marrow is where stem cells are created.

Stem cells are the body’s raw materials, they can turn into red and white blood cells (carrying oxygen and fighting infections) and platelets, which in turn help the blood to clot.

In this therapy, stem cell transplants replace cells that have been damaged (due to a disease or chemotherapy) or are used to strengthen the immune system enabling it to fight different types of cancers, as well as other health conditions.

There are 3 Main Types of Transplants

Autologous– Utilizing the marrow from the patient’s own body. Through blood and urine laboratory exams, it is possible to isolate proteins, polysaccharides, by-products, neurotransmitters, and microorganisms that can be used to create specific autologous vaccines to reprogram, modulate and stimulate a patient’s immune system response.

Allogenic transplant – A transplant from another person, with closely matching genes.

Umbilical cord transplant – A transplant from a newborn umbilical cord.

Cancer stem cells and successful and potential treatments

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own body (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic). Once collected, they are processed, sometimes grown or manipulated in a lab, and then injected or infused into the damaged area or circulatory system to repair and regenerate tissues.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative Potential: Stem cells can potentially repair or replace damaged tissue, offering new treatment options for diseases that have limited cures.

Personalized Medicine: In cases where the patient’s own cells are used, the risk of rejection or complications is minimized.

Minimally Invasive: Many stem cell therapies are delivered through injections or infusions, which are less invasive than surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can be treated with stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is used to treat various conditions, including orthopedic injuries, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and more.

What types of stem cells are used in therapy?

Common types include embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells (like those from bone marrow or fat), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Is stem cell therapy safe?

While stem cell therapy has shown promising results, there can be risks, such as infection, immune rejection, or tumor formation, depending on the type of cells and the procedure used.

What are the side effects of stem cell therapy?

Possible side effects include infection, inflammation, allergic reactions, or failure of the stem cells to produce the desired effect.