What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unique cells that can develop into many different cell types in the human body. They serve as the body's internal repair system that divides and replenishes other cells as needed. Unlike other cells with specific functions, stem cells can transform into specialized cells like muscle, nerve, or blood cells.
This flexibility makes them vital in regenerative medicine, where they are used to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
What is regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine focuses on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged tissues and organs to restore normal function. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on managing symptoms, regenerative medicine aims to heal the underlying cause of the problem.
Regenerative medicine centers use advanced techniques like stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy to encourage the body to heal itself. For example, stem cells can regenerate damaged heart tissue or repair spinal cord injuries.
📺 Learn how stem cells are changing the future of healthcare by watching our exclusive interview with Dr. Isabella Bernaschina.
What types of stem cells are used in regenerative medicine?
Stem cells come from three primary sources: embryos, adult tissues, reprogrammed adult somatic cells, and umbilical tissues.
1. Embryonic stem cells. These cells come from early-stage embryos and can develop into almost any type of cell in the body. Their versatility makes them valuable for a wide range of treatments and research.
2. Adult stem cells. Found in tissues like bone marrow and fat, these cells are more specialized and can only become certain types of cells.
3. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells, so they can develop into many different cell types. iPSCs are useful for personalized treatments since scientists can create them from a patient’s own cells.
4. Perinatal stem cells. These cells stem from the tissues of the umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid. They share some properties with both embryonic and adult stem cells, offering a unique potential for regenerative treatments.
Stem cells can also be categorized according to the person they come from:
- Autologous stem cells. These stem cells are collected from the patient (often from bone marrow or fat tissue), processed, and then reintroduced into the same patient. Since the cells are the patient’s own, the risk of rejection or complications is minimal.
- Allogeneic stem cells. Stem cell banks collect and store stem cells from various donors. They can come from umbilical cord blood collected at birth, placental tissue, or adult donors. The cells are thoroughly screened and tested for compatibility and disease to ensure they are safe and effective for use in therapies.
What can stem cells treat?
Due to stem cells' unique abilities, they span the full spectrum of potential applications. Scientists are still exploring promising treatments.
Simple injections for orthopedic conditions tend to be more affordable, while complex treatments for advanced diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy are more costly.
Below are some of the most popular uses of stem cells in treatments and their approximate costs.
|
Condition |
How stem cells can help |
Average cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Reduce inflammation and promote cartilage repair. |
$3,000 |
|
|
Help regenerate damaged tissues and reduce pain. |
$3,000 |
|
|
Repair damaged discs and alleviate pain. |
$2,000 |
|
|
Repair brain function and reduce inflammation. |
$12,000 |
|
|
Can potentially regenerate damaged retinal cells. |
$5,000 |
|
|
Help repair damaged nerves. |
$20,000 |
|
|
Replace damaged neurons and restore brain function. |
$16,000 |
|
|
Regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. |
$11,000 |
|
|
Repair damaged nerve cells. |
$20,000 |
|
|
Lung diseases, COPD |
Repair lung tissue and improve lung function. |
$15,000 |
|
Regenerate brain cells and improve motor function. |
$20,000 |
|
|
Improve blood flow and repair damaged tissues. |
$4,000 |
|
|
Regenerate sperm cells and improve fertility. |
$4,000 |
|
|
Rejuvenate skin and tissues, promoting a youthful appearance. |
$3,000 |
👀 Watch a professional motocross racer share his experience with stem cell treatment for sports injuries and arthritis:
What are the advantages of stem cell therapy?
✅ Natural healing. Stem cell therapy provides new hope for patients when conventional treatments have proven ineffective. It harnesses the body’s ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissues and promotes recovery at the cellular level.
✅ Versatility. Stem cells can treat a wide range of conditions, from orthopedic injuries to chronic conditions, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases. The type and number of stem cells can be tailored to every patient, ensuring targeted treatment.
✅ Minimally invasive. Stem cell therapies are usually delivered through simple injections or infusions, reducing the need for major surgery and allowing for quicker recovery.
How do doctors perform stem cell therapy?
Doctors perform stem cell therapies using several different administration methods, depending on the patient’s condition. Here are the most common types of administration:
1. Injection
One of the most common methods. Doctors inject stem cells directly into the affected area, such as a joint, muscle, or tendon. This method is minimally invasive and usually performed under local anesthesia.
🩹 Common uses: Joint pain, tendon injuries, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.
2. Intravenous (IV) Infusion:
Doctors administer stem cells directly into the bloodstream via an IV. This allows the cells to circulate throughout the body and reach multiple sites that may need repair or regeneration.
🩹 Common uses: Autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and systemic conditions like multiple sclerosis or diabetes.
3. Surgical implantation
For more complex or severe conditions, stem cells may need to be implanted directly into the affected tissue during surgery. Surgeons perform the procedure in an operating room under general anesthesia.
🩹Common uses: Spinal cord injuries, severe heart disease, and advanced neurological conditions.
How much does stem cell therapy cost worldwide?
Stem cell therapy costs vary widely depending on the country and the specific treatment involved.
🗽 In the United States, the cost of stem cell injections can range between $20,000 to $50,000. However, other regions around the world offer more affordable options with high-quality care.
🏰 In Europe, countries like Germany and the Netherlands offer high-quality regenerative medicine, but prices can be similar to those in the United States (from $7,500 to $50,000). Ukraine provides more affordable options between $4,000 and $15,000.
⛩️ In Asia, costs can range from $3,000 to $42,000, with South Korea being more expensive, while Thailand and Malaysia provide lower-cost alternatives.
🕌 In the Middle East, stem cell treatments cost anywhere from $2,000 to $35,000. Israel offers advanced regenerative therapies, while Turkey has more accessible prices.
Below is a table summarizing the cost of stem cell therapy in various countries:
|
Country |
Price Range |
|---|---|
|
$3,500 - $15,000 |
|
|
$5,500 - $14,000 |
|
|
$7,500 - $30,000 |
|
|
$20,000 - $50,000 |
|
|
$4,000 - $15,000 |
|
|
$2,000 - $15,000 |
|
|
$6,500 - $35,000 |
|
|
$10,500 - $42,000 |
|
|
$3,000 - $13,000 |
|
|
$5,000 - $27,000 |
🌍 Find out more about the countries with the best stem cell therapy clinics.
Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is rarely covered by insurance because it is still considered experimental. Most insurance companies prefer to cover conventional treatments instead.
In the U.S., insurance typically only covers FDA-approved stem cell treatments. Currently, the FDA has approved the use of bone marrow stem cells for treating blood cancers and immune disorders. However, as more evidence emerges from clinical trials and regulations evolve, insurance coverage for regenerative medicine might soon expand.
What are the best stem cell therapy clinics in the world?
Bookimed’s analysis of over 100 best stem cell clinics in the world has shown that Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand offer a perfect blend of affordable costs and high-quality care. In our rankings, we considered factors such as positive patient reviews, the number of patients treated, the speed of response, and the qualifications and accreditations of the stem cell clinics.
The table below highlights the top 7 stem cell treatment centers:
|
Center for Regenerative Medicine |
Location |
Description |
Approximate Costs |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cancun, Mexico |
A center for regenerative medicine with 12 years of experience in immunology, rheumatology, sexology, aesthetic medicine, and cosmetology. Offers include 4-star hotel accommodation and VIP transfers. |
$7,000 - $15,000 |
Autoimmune diseases, orthopedic conditions, neurodegenerative disorders |
|
|
Bangkok, Thailand |
Private medical center specializing in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology using stem cells. |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
Rejuvenating and anti-aging stem cell therapies |
|
|
Istanbul, Turkey |
Leading Turkish medical institution offering stem cell treatments for joint diseases like arthrosis. The hospital also excels in organ transplantation, bone marrow transplants, and IVF. Accredited by JCI, it treats 1,000,000 patients per year. |
$4,000 |
Joint diseases, bone marrow transplants |
|
|
Istanbul, Turkey |
Specializes in orthopedic conditions and skin treatments using patients' own cells. Holds a certificate from the Turkish Ministry of Health for stem cell treatment. Offers stem cell-based facial and body fillers, as well as post-cancer breast reconstruction using stem cells. |
$8,000 - $15,500 |
Orthopedic conditions, skin treatments, breast reconstruction |
|
|
Mexico |
A leader in Mexico's regenerative medicine, with its own stem cell bank and lab. Offers personalized home-based care for stem cell therapy, with an 80% success rate. Led by Dr. Isabella Bernaschina, a certified regenerative medicine specialist. |
$7,000 - $10,000 |
Arthritis, HIV treatment, alopecia, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, rejuvenation, joint regeneration |
|
|
Medellín, Colombia |
Specializes in treating arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, autism, and autoimmune diseases. Also offers aesthetic medicine and cosmetology services. Employs medical professionals with at least 15 years of experience. |
Varies by treatment |
Arthritis, chronic diseases, diabetes, autism, autoimmune diseases |
|
|
Cancun, Mexico |
A global leader in stem cell research and therapy, headquartered in San Diego, California. Specializes in anti-aging treatments, muscular injuries, and degenerative diseases. Led by Dr. Daniel Garza, an expert in diabetology. |
$8,000 - $9,000 |
Anti-aging, muscular injuries, degenerative diseases |
How to choose the best stem cell clinic?
Choosing the center for regenerative medicine involves careful consideration of several key factors. Here’s what to look for:
1. Accreditations and certifications. The stem cell treatment center should be accredited by recognized medical bodies like the Joint Commission International (JCI) or local health authorities.
2. Experience and expertise. Look for clinics with a proven track record in regenerative therapies. Check the qualifications and experience of the medical team, particularly in treating your condition.
3. Patient reviews. Read reviews from past patients to gauge the clinic’s reputation. Positive feedback on treatments, patient care, and overall experience is a good indicator of a clinic’s quality.
4. Safety and ethical standards. Verify that the center for regenerative medicine follows strict safety protocols and ethical standards, particularly in how they source and use stem cells. Avoid clinics that make unproven claims or lack transparency in their treatment procedures.
5. Cost and value. Compare costs between stem cell clinics and consider the value you are getting, including the quality of care, follow-up services, and additional support (e.g., accommodation, transfers).
6. Consultation and personalized care. A good center for regenerative medicine should offer a thorough consultation before any treatment. The availability of tailored treatment plans is a sign of a high-quality clinic.
7. Location and accessibility. Consider the clinic’s location if you need to travel. Ensure that the clinic is easily accessible and offers support for international patients, such as language assistance or travel arrangements.
What is the current status of stem cell research?
Regenerative medicine is still a relatively young field, and ongoing research is exploring its effectiveness for various diseases. The body of literature is already impressive. Here are only some of the latest breakthroughs from different clinical trials:
👉 Orthopedic conditions
- Stem cell therapy can reduce chronic pain and improve motor function, with 70% of spinal injury patients experiencing significant improvements.
- Sustained improvements in knee pain and function have been observed at the 24-month mark post-treatment.
- Improved joint function and reduced inflammation 1 to 3 years after treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
👀 Watch a patient review on the orthopedic treatment with stem cells:
👉 Autism
- 95% of patients improved their scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
- In a notable case, a non-verbal child with severe autism began speaking and showed a 27% reduction in autism severity post-treatment.
👉 Heart failure
- A long-term 58% reduced risk of heart attack or stroke among heart failure patients.
👉 Eye diseases
- A 30-60% improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with inherited retinal diseases at 12 months after receiving stem cell treatment.
👉 Neurodegenerative diseases
- Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Researchers have found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can slow down ALS progression.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). Stem cell therapy has proven more effective than traditional immunomodulatory drugs. It reduces inflammation and prevents excessive scarring in the nervous system. The treatment suppresses MS activity for 4-5 years in 70-80% of patients.
- Parkinson’s disease (PD). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) improve movement and increase dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
- Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Stem cell treatments have shown a potential to improve AD patients' memory and learning abilities.
- Huntington’s disease (HD). MSCs improve motor function, stimulate neurogenesis, and reduce neuronal loss and abnormal protein levels.
How long does it take to see results?
The time it takes to see results from stem cell therapy varies depending on the patient and their condition.
🦴 For orthopedic issues, stem cells target localized areas of damage, allowing for faster regeneration of tissues like cartilage, which leads to quicker improvements. They may begin within a few weeks, with more noticeable results after 3 to 6 months.
🧠 In neurological or chronic conditions, the healing process is more complex. Results may appear in several months, and gradual improvements may continue over a year or more. Stem cells need more time to repair nerve or immune system damage, so improvements take longer and progress gradually.
💆🏻♀️ For aesthetic treatments, changes like skin or hair regeneration happen more quickly because the cells focus on surface-level repairs. Visible changes can be noticeable in a few weeks, with optimal results in a few months.
How long do results last?
Stem cell therapy often leads to lasting improvements, but some patients may need follow-up treatments to maintain or enhance results over time.
Various clinical studies have shown that improvements can last for extended periods—documented at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after therapy. Research in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis suggests that stem cell therapy can offer extended periods of symptom relief, with effects lasting 3–5 years.
Are there any possible risks and complications?
Stem cell therapy is safe in most cases, but like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks and complications.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- thromboembolism — occurs when a blood clot forms and blocks a blood vessel;
- fibrosis — the formation of excess scar tissue in an organ or tissue.
Other possible risks and complications include:
- infection — there’s a small risk of infection at the site of the injection or surgery, especially in more invasive procedures;
- rejection — in the case of donor stem cells, the body might recognize them as foreign and react;
- tumor formation — although extremely rare, certain stem cells have a theoretical risk of turning into tumors. Experienced doctors address this risk by carefully selecting and preparing the stem cells and closely monitoring patients. Reputable stem cell clinics use well-researched and tested stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a low risk of forming tumors.
To avoid complications and risks, stem cell clinics take preventive measures such as carefully screening stem cells, adhering to strict safety protocols, and closely monitoring the patient.
By choosing a center for regenerative medicine from Bookimed’s trusted partners, you can be confident that you’ll receive specialized care with adherence to the highest safety standards.
How can you get treatment at the best center for regenerative medicine with Bookimed?
💚 Submit a request. Start by filling out a request on the Bookimed website. Share your medical details and preferences for stem cell therapy, so we can tailor our recommendations to your needs.
💚 Consult with a Bookimed Coordinator. Our manager will reach out to discuss your condition, answer any questions, and offer expert advice on stem cell therapies.
💚 Choose the best stem cell clinic. Based on your preferences, your Bookimed manager will recommend the centers for regenerative medicine. They'll help you compare options and make a well-informed decision.
💚 Receive a quote. Once you've selected a stem cell clinic, Bookimed will provide a customized cost estimate for your therapy.
💚 Schedule your trip. Bookimed will assist you in scheduling the therapy and planning your trip to the chosen regenerative medicine center. We ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Resources
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Stem cells: What they are and what they do. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
- WebMD. (2021). What Is Regenerative Medicine? https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-regenerative-medicine
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Study finds stem cell therapy is safe and may benefit people with spinal cord injuries. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/neurology-neurosurgery/news/study-finds-stem-cell-therapy-is-safe-and-may-benefit-people-with-spinal-cord-injuries/mac-20567444
- Medicine. (2020). Clinical efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220405/
- Regenerative Therapy. (2021). A review and update for registered clinical studies of stem cells for non-tumorous and non-hematological diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8446785/
- American Journal of Stem Cells. (2020). Cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for autism spectrum disorders: a clinical study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33489466/
- European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. (2020). Autism treatment with stem cells: a case report. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32767334/
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2023). Randomized Trial of Targeted Transendocardial Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.11.061
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy. (2023). Stem cell therapy for inherited retinal diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10557171/
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. (2023). The Use of Stem Cells as a Potential Treatment Method for Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases: Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10333383/