FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Stem Cell Treatment
Everything You Want to Know About Stem Cell Therapy
FAQ About Stem Cell Therapy
1. Stem Cell Therapy
A. The stem cells referred to here are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), not hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle, and they are highly effective in reducing inflammation and regenerating damaged tissues. These cells are typically sourced from bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, or umbilical cord blood.
Mesenchymal stem cells release signaling substances that activate the body’s natural healing process and help restore damaged tissues. When inflammation occurs or tissues are damaged, these stem cells migrate to the affected area and perform both regeneration and anti-inflammatory functions.
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses mesenchymal stem cells to repair tissues that have lost function due to disease or injury. This treatment involves using stem cells harvested from the patient’s own tissue (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic).
Stem cell therapy plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal and recover.
A. Our bodies contain hundreds of different types of cells, each with its own specific function. Stem cells are primitive cells capable of developing into various types of cells. With their powerful ability to differentiate and replicate, they are often referred to as master cells that sustain our bodies.
Stem cells are categorized into embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Embryonic stem cells have unlimited potential to differentiate into any cell type but are currently limited to research due to ethical and safety concerns. iPS cells, discovered by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka, have been tested in clinical trials for diseases like heart disease and Parkinson’s, but are currently used in limited cases before gaining full approval as treatments.
Adult stem cells can be obtained from an adult’s bone marrow, fat, blood, skin, or from umbilical cord and placenta at birth. Treatments using adult stem cells have been conducted since the early 2000s, with cells cultured in internationally certified labs under the guidance of experienced physicians. However, availability and legal regulations around these treatments vary by country.
A.
Stem cells can be obtained from various sources, including adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Currently, adult stem cells are the most widely used due to their proven stability and safety in clinical applications. Among them, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been utilized for over 20 years, while hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been applied for more than 70 years, demonstrating their effectiveness in regenerative medicine and transplantation.
Adult stem cells can be derived from different tissues, such as fat, bone marrow, blood, skin, and muscle. Among them, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells are considered the most optimal, as they can be easily collected at birth. Since these are the youngest stem cells, they offer high therapeutic potential when applied in treatment.
| Category | Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) | Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Produces blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) | Repairs and regenerates tissues, has anti-inflammatory properties |
| Source | Bone marrow, umbilical cord blood | Bone marrow, Adipose tissue, Umbilical cord, Placenta |
| Differentiation Potential | Blood-related cells | Healthy Cells, Bone, Cartilage, Fat, Muscle, Skin |
| Main Therapeutic Use | Blood disorders (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, immunodeficiency disorders, SCID) | Tissue regeneration (bone, cartilage, muscle), degenerative joint diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis), heart disease, liver disease, autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), neurological disorders, hormonal disorders, etc |
Not all stem cells are the same. Their function, source, and even the age of the cells can greatly influence their properties and effectiveness.
A. Through pre-screening, only those who can be treated after the permission of a specialist can receive treatment. Common side effects include “sore at the injection site” or “heart racing for a while” after a normal intravenous injection (ringer). Using specialized equipment, the administration speed of drip injection is adjusted according to the patient’s blood vessel condition and administered safely.
A. Stem cell therapy can be used to restore damaged tissues and organs, or to treat serious diseases. They are particularly important in the field of regenerative medicine because they have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cells, including nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells.
A. Autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy involves extracting stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, which eliminates the risk of immune rejection. However, there can be pain during the bone marrow extraction, and the number of viable stem cells is often limited.
On the other hand, umbilical cord stem cell therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from a newborn’s umbilical cord, which do not pose any risk of immune rejection. Additionally, there is no pain during the extraction process, and the healthy, young cells from the umbilical cord can be cultured to provide the necessary number of viable cells for effective treatment. It is also known that the therapeutic effects of a single treatment with umbilical cord stem cells are greater compared to autologous bone marrow stem cells.
Thus, umbilical cord stem cell therapy is gaining attention as a more effective and less painful alternative for arthritis treatment.
A.Stem cell therapy can be applied to a variety of diseases and conditions, especially Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injuries, and burns. It is also used to prevent degenerative diseases, such as anti-aging and reverse aging.
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Stem cell therapy is recognized as an effective treatment and an advanced medical technology in many countries, with ongoing clinical applications. In particular, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells and amniotic fluid-derived neural stem cells are considered young and highly effective, with minimal risk of immune rejection.
To ensure safety, we select only the healthiest, infection-free cell sources under strict criteria. These cells undergo rigorous screening and are processed in a state-of-the-art GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility that adheres to international standards.
To date, tens of thousands of patients have received this treatment without reported side effects. Additionally, for the safest and most effective outcomes, patients must undergo a thorough pre-examination to ensure they meet our medical criteria.
2. Immunotherapy
Yes, immune cells are not stem cells. Stem cells have the ability to replicate and differentiate, while immune cells are destroyed along with harmful cells or bacteria after they perform their function. Although stem cells have some immune functions, they work differently from the immune functions we use in cell therapy.
3. Process
The treatment process consists of the following steps:
- Consultation with the medical team
- Appointment scheduling
- Reservation fee payment
- Hospital visit
- Pre-examination (a recent health checkup from your home country may be accepted)
- Stem cell treatment (after confirmation of pre-examination results)
- Post-treatment progress check
- Additional follow-up visits, if necessary
Pre-examination is not required for certain conditions. Please consult our team for more details.
Yes, we offer exclusive, personalized therapy services for VIP clients while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. Each treatment plan is fully customized to meet individual needs, and we implement strict privacy measures to ensure complete discretion.
4. Support
Due to the nature of cell therapy, exercising a lot of muscles before and after treatment requires 1-2 weeks of self-restraint. That’s why I don’t recommend it to the program. Please consult your doctor after treatment.
A. CellUpMed’s stem cell treatment has demonstrated positive effects on a range of conditions, including arthritis, skin regeneration, immune enhancement, neurological disorders, degenerative diseases, diabetes, ADHD, dementia, and anti-aging. For more information on additional conditions that may benefit from this treatment, we recommend consulting with a medical professional.
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The treatment location may vary depending on the condition and the type of stem cells used.
Currently, CellUpMed’s main hospital is located in Bangkok, Thailand. However, if needed, treatment can also be arranged at CellUpMed’s affiliated hospitals across Asia, including South Korea, Japan, and other locations.
Patients can receive health checkups and treatment at leading medical institutions such as Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand, CHA Hospital in South Korea, Tokyo Clinic, and TCC in Japan.
For more details, please consult with CellUpMed’s medical team.
The FAQ page is continuously being updated. For more questions, use the contact form.
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※ References
(1) AllStemcells.com> STEM CELL> WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?
