by Sherrin Griffin, VP Operations, Sidney SeniorCare –
As our fascination with longevity grows, and the field of regenerative medicine progresses, there has been a lot of hype lately about stem cell therapy and its restorative powers. Whether used for tissue regeneration, cancer treatment, immunodeficiencies or anti-aging facial applications, stem cell therapy is showing great promise for helping to turn back our biological clocks.
Stem cells, found in almost all body tissues, are special cells that are able to self-renew, and are needed for the maintenance of tissue as well as for repair. Stem cells are the only cells in the body that can generate new cell types and develop into different tissues.
As we age, the regenerative power of our stem cells deteriorates and research is showing that this natural decline may play a key role in age-related disease. By studying our stem cells, researchers are gaining more understanding into how diseases occur, and the ability to generate healthy cells to replace those affected by disease.
Even though stem cell therapy has been used for decades, primarily in bone marrow transplants, research shows that there are many other medical conditions that may benefit such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, some cancer tumors, osteoarthritis and spinal cord injuries. Then of course there is a huge market for those searching out these treatments to keep themselves youthful and ageless.
Stem cells are taken from a patient’s own body (adult stem cells) to reduce the risk of rejection and are typically collected from bone marrow, where there is the largest concentration.
There has been some controversy and moral debate surrounding the use of stem cells sourced from three- to five-day-old human embryos, which many researchers consider more versatile than adult stem cells.
Although stem cell therapy is legal in Canada, it is not yet a regulated field under Health Canada’s Safety of Human Cells, Tissues, and Organs for Transplantation Regulations. Likewise in the U.S., the FDA has not officially approved any stem cell products for general use, although it has issued guidance regarding the use of stem cells in clinical trials.
Currently, the only stem cell-based treatment approved by the U.S. FDA is hematopoietic (or blood) stem cell transplantation used to treat patients with cancers and disorders that affect the blood and immune system.
Despite this lack of regulation, there are many clinics operating and marketing stem cell therapy to the general public, leading to quality and safety concerns amid reports of facilities using stem cells from unproven sources.
Many seeking treatment will go overseas, where treatment options are more available and where facilities have proven themselves through advanced research and proper regulatory protocol. Mexico is a popular destination for stem cell therapy, as is Austria, Thailand, India and Columbia.
The price of stem cell injections depends on the exact procedure, and varies by country, but a single autologous (taken from either your bone marrow or fat tissue) injection costs about CAD $6,000, while a stem cell “facelift” can cost upwards of $50,000.
There are risks involved, with infection being the most common. Adverse outcomes also may include reactions at the injection site and autoimmune issues.
With treatments still being fairly new to the general public, and with many clinics not regulated, it is unfortunately a “buyer beware” situation. Overall, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential risks, and to carefully assess any claims made by stem cell clinics before considering treatment.
