With new technologies and insights, means less risks but higher costs
STEM cell therapy (SCT) is gaining traction in the Philippines as a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions, including cancer, immune system disorders, heart disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, and burns.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body. They are found in embryos and fetuses, as well as in adults. Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair damaged or diseased tissue or to stimulate the body to repair itself.
The beginnings in the Philippines
German molecular biologist Dr. Karl-Heinz Krause is a famous pioneer of stem cell treatment in the Philippines. In 2004, he founded the Stem Cell Institute of the Philippines (SCIP), which is a non-profit research institute dedicated to the development of stem cell therapy for various diseases.
Dr. Krause is a world-renowned expert in stem cell biology and has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals. He is also the holder of several patents on stem cell technology.
Under Dr. Krause’s leadership, SCIP has made significant contributions to the field of stem cell research. The institute has developed several stem cell therapies that are now being used to treat patients with a variety of diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis.
He is also a strong advocate for stem cell research and has worked tirelessly to promote public awareness of the potential benefits of this technology. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and events, and he has written extensively about stem cell research in the popular media.
Dr. Krause’s work has had a profound impact on the field of stem cell research and has helped to make stem cell therapy a reality for patients in the Philippines and around the world. He is a true pioneer in the field of stem cell research and an inspiration to us all.
How is it done?
There are two main types of stem cells used in this medical method: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which means that they can develop into any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells are multipotent, which means that they can develop into a limited number of types of cells.
Stem cells for therapy can be obtained from a variety of sources, including embryos and fetuses, adult bone marrow, adult peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue (fat), and dental pulp.
Stem cell therapy can be performed in a variety of ways, depending on the specific condition being treated. In some cases, stem cells are injected directly into the damaged or diseased tissue. In other cases, stem cells are grown in a laboratory and then transplanted into the body.
It is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat many diseases and conditions. However, it is important to note that stem cell therapy can be expensive and risky. Additionally, there is limited evidence to support its use for many conditions.
Patrons and clients
The patrons and clients of stem cell clinics in the Philippines vary depending on the specific clinic and the conditions that they treat.
However, some of the most common types of patients who seek stem cell therapy include those with cancer and immune system disorders. People with heart disease or those who suffered a stroke. Those who have damaged their spines or have a conditional spinal cord injury. The elderly with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Those who have had nerve damage in their appendages, usually the legs or knees or people with osteoarthritis.
As of this writing, burn trauma was discovered to have significant signs of curing with stem cell treatment.
Risks and, ethical considerations
Like any medical procedure, stem cell therapy has risks and benefits. The risks of stem cell therapy can vary depending on the type of stem cells used, the method of delivery, and the underlying condition being treated.
Some of the potential risks of stem cell therapy include tumor formation, auto-immune or immune rejection, high level infection, light or prolonged bleeding, possible allergic reaction.
There are a number of ethical considerations related to stem cell treatment, including:
- The source of the stem cells. Stem cells can be obtained from embryos, fetuses, adults, or even animals. The use of embryonic stem cells is particularly controversial because it requires the destruction of embryos.
- The risks of stem cell treatment. Stem cell treatment is still in its early stages of development, and there is limited evidence to support its safety and efficacy. Additionally, there are a number of potential risks associated with stem cell treatment, such as tumor formation and immune rejection.
- The cost of stem cell treatment. Stem cell treatment can be very expensive, and it is often not covered by insurance. This raises concerns about access to stem cell treatment and the potential for exploitation of patients.
- The regulation of stem cell treatment. The regulation of stem cell treatment varies from country to country. In some countries, there is little or no regulation, which raises concerns about safety and quality.
In addition to these general ethical considerations, there are also a number of specific ethical issues that have been raised about stem cell treatment.
For example, some people have expressed concern about the use of stem cells to create chimeras (organisms that contain cells from two or more different species). Others have expressed concern about the use of stem cells to create genetically modified organisms.
It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of stem cell treatment before making a decision about whether or not to undergo the procedure. It is also important to be aware of the ethical considerations related to stem cell treatment and to make sure that the clinic where you are considering treatment is reputable and ethical.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- Consent: Patients should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of stem cell treatment before giving their consent.
- Fairness: Stem cell treatment should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or social status.
- Transparency: The research and development of stem cell treatments should be transparent and open to public scrutiny.
It is important to be aware of the ethical considerations related to stem cell treatment and to make sure that the clinic where you are considering treatment is reputable and ethical.
Benefits of stem cell treatment
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body. They are found in embryos and fetuses, as well as in adults.
Some of the potential benefits of stem cell therapy include:
- Rejuvenating, restoring, rebuilding or replacing damaged or diseased tissue. Stem cells can be used to bring damaged or diseased tissue back to form, in a variety of organs and tissues, including the heart, brain, spinal cord, and joints. For example, stem cell therapy has been used to treat patients with heart disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, and osteoarthritis.
- Stimulating the body to heal itself. Stem cells can stimulate the body to heal itself by releasing growth factors and other signaling molecules. For example, stem cell therapy has been used to treat patients with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
- Suppressing the immune system. Stem cells can be used to suppress the immune system, which can be helpful for patients with autoimmune diseases or who are receiving organ transplants. For example, stem cell therapy has been used to treat patients with leukemia and lymphoma.
Here are some actual examples of the benefits of stem cell therapy: (information from the SCIP, with consent of the patients)
- A 2-year-old boy from Palawan with leukemia was cured of his cancer after receiving a stem cell transplant from his younger sister. The course of the cure happened in 2-months. This happened in 2015 and the boy is already 6 years old today. Since he is a minor his name cannot be revealed.
- Samantha Carison, a Fil-Am living in Batangas City was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 and almost died because of her low immunity in 2014. She began receiving stem cell treatments in 2015 and saw a significant improvement in her symptoms after receiving stem cell therapy. Today, she is a vegetarian and the owner of a farm resort in her city.
- Roman Montenegro, from Cebu developed a severe spinal cord injury 14 days after a mountain biking incident. He was not able to walk for 4 months, though his doctors said that the spinal cord injury was not severe based on several tests. He was able to walk again after receiving stem cell therapy.
- Lucilda Amante developed a strange form of juvenille osteoarthritis since she was 13. She lived a painful adolescent like but was able to reduce her pain and improve her mobility after receiving stem cell therapy.
If you are considering stem cell therapy, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable clinic.
Not inclusive, nor of the shallow pockets
The cost of stem cell therapy in the Philippines can vary depending on the specific clinic and the condition being treated. However, it is generally an expensive treatment. The cost can range from P500,000 to P900,000 and above, depending on the number of sessions.
If you are considering stem cell therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. It is important to find a qualified doctor who has experience in stem cell therapy.
Famous Filipinos who have undergone stem cell therapy
Today, the amount of medical and scientific evidence to support the use of stem cell therapy has made it popular to those who can afford it.
A number of famous Filipinos have undergone stem cell therapy in recent years. These include:
- Senator Manny Pacquiao, who underwent stem cell treatment for a knee injury in 2016. He is now back in fighting form.
- Actress Kris Aquino, who underwent stem cell treatment for her autoimmune disorder, lupus, in 2018. She continues her treatment with good results.
- Former senator and defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who underwent stem cell therapy in 2012 at the age of 88. He is now 95 years old.
- Imelda Marcos, the widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who underwent stem cell therapy in 2011 at the age of 81 she is now 88 years old.
- Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who underwent stem cell therapy in 2015 at the age of 72.
Since 2017 stem cell clinics in the Philippines have begun to sprout. High end hospitals in the Philippines offer stem cell treatment. Some of the hospitals in the Philippines that offer stem cell treatment include:
- The Medical City
- Makati Medical Center
- University of Perpetual Help
- St. Luke’s Medical Center
These hospitals are accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to provide stem cell treatment. The DOH has strict guidelines for the use of stem cells, and these hospitals must meet these guidelines in order to be accredited.
Some of the most known stem cell clinics in the Philippines include:
- StemCell Manila
- R3 Stem Cell Philippines
- Britannia Center for Stem Cell Treatment and Regenerative Medicine
- Villa Medica
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a hospital or clinic for stem cell therapy:
- Experience: The hospital or clinic should have experience in providing stem cell therapy.
- Success rates: The hospital or clinic should be able to provide you with information about their success rates and complication rates.
- Cost: The cost of stem cell therapy can vary depending on the hospital or clinic and the condition being treated. Be sure to ask about the cost of treatment before making a decision.
- Aftercare: The hospital or clinic should have a plan for aftercare, which may include follow-up visits and physical therapy.
It is important to do your research and choose a reputable hospital or clinic for stem cell therapy. If you are considering stem cell therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. It is also important to choose a reputable hospital or clinic that is accredited by the DOH.
