Step by Step Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy

Our body possesses an incredible ability to heal itself. Stem cell therapy is a modern method that supports the healing of diseases by taking this natural ability and combining it with technology.

Stem cells are our body’s “spare parts” depot. These smart cells, which do not yet have a specific identity, are programmed to transform into a nerve cell, a muscle cell, or a bone cell when needed to repair a damaged area.

Stem Cell Sources and Types

Each source has a different area of use, efficacy data, and safety profile. The appropriate source is determined based on the type of disease, the patient’s condition, and legal regulations. The stem cell sources used include:

  • Adult stem cells (such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, cord blood)
  • Mesenchymal stem cells (with the potential to transform into support tissues like ligaments, cartilage, and bone)
  • Hematopoietic stem cells (blood and immune system cells)
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells (cells reprogrammed in the laboratory)

Who can benefit from this treatment?

Since stem cells can demonstrate healing effects almost everywhere in the body, their area of use is quite extensive:

  • Bone Marrow Cancers
  • Lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Leukemia – Multiple Myeloma
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatic Diseases
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Paralysis Due to Cerebral Vascular Occlusion
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Autism And Spectrum Disorders.
  • Alzheimer’s
  • MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
  • Parkinson
  • ALS
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Optical Damages
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • COPD
  • Longevity
  • Skin Rejuvenation
  • Hair Restoration
  • Surgical Wound Repair

How does the treatment process work?

Stem cell therapy is not a simple injection done in a single day; it is a planned process. The 4-step roadmap is as follows:

Step 1: Pre-Treatment Assessment

First and foremost, we seek the answer to the question, “Is this treatment suitable for you?”

  • Your doctor reviews your medical history.
  • Blood tests and, if necessary, imaging (MRI, X-ray) examinations are performed.
  • The stage of your disease and how much you might benefit from the treatment are clarified.

Step 2: Harvesting and Preparation of Cells

Where do stem cells come from?

Stem cells can be obtained from embryonic tissues or adult tissues like bone marrow and fat. However, fat tissue is often considered the ideal source for several reasons:

Higher Quantity: Fat tissue contains a significantly larger number of stem cells compared to bone marrow.

Easier Collection: Obtaining fat is easier and causes much less discomfort to the patient.

Better Growth: Stem cells from fat often have a higher capacity to multiply and grow.

The Procedure:

Step-by-Step The process of collecting and preparing these cells involves the following steps:

Targeting: The doctor identifies the best donor area, usually the abdomen, hips, or outer thigh.

Collection: Under local anesthesia, approximately 30 ml of fat is gently drawn out using special syringes.

Cleaning: The collected material is washed with sterile saline solution and left to settle for 30 minutes. The excess liquid is then removed.

Processing: The remaining fat is sent to a sterile laboratory in a closed system to isolate the stem cells.

Treatment: The concentrated stem cells are stored in a safe environment and then injected into the area needing treatment.

What can they become?

Once processed, these stem cells have the amazing ability to transform into various types of tissues, including:

  • Cartilage and Bone
  • Muscle (Skeletal and Smooth)
  • Nerve cells (Neuronal)
  • Heart cells (Cardiomyocytes)
  • Blood vessel linings (Endothelial cells)

 Step 3: Administration

Millions of prepared healing cells are returned to your body. The method varies according to the disease:

  • Intravenous (IV): Like an IV drip, cells mix into the blood circulation to find the damaged area themselves.
  • Direct Injection: For example, they can be injected directly into the knee for osteoarthritis or into the spinal fluid for certain neurological conditions.
  • The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and does not require hospitalization.

Step 4: Post-Treatment Follow-Up

The process does not end after the treatment. It takes time for stem cells to start working in the body.

  • First effects generally begin to appear within a few weeks or months.
  • Your doctor checks you at specific intervals (e.g., 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month).
  • If necessary, physical therapy or additional vitamin supplements are recommended to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cells

1- Is stem cell therapy harmful?

It is generally considered safe, but strictly speaking, for it to be “harmless,” it must be performed under the right conditions. Since the patient’s own cells (autologous) are used in most treatments, the risk of “tissue rejection” or “allergic reaction” is almost non-existent. There may be minor infection, pain, or bleeding at the injection site. However, cells produced in unlicensed, under-the-counter places or non-sterile laboratories can lead to serious infections. Therefore, centers approved by the Ministry of Health should be preferred.

2- Can stem cells from another person be used? Who can be a donor?

Not just anyone can donate to you. The donor must be a genetic match to prevent your body from rejecting the new cells.

Family Members: A brother or sister is usually the best chance for a match (about a 25% chance of being a perfect match).

Unrelated Donors: If no family member is a match, doctors search national and international registries (like bone marrow banks) to find a genetically similar unrelated donor.

Umbilical Cord Blood: Stem cells can also be taken from the umbilical cord blood of a newborn baby (donated by parents) and stored for future use by others.

3- Can it be applied to children?

Yes, it can be applied.

  • Stem cell therapy is performed on children, particularly in cases such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Leukemia.
  • Since metabolism and cell regeneration rates are higher in children, faster and more positive responses can sometimes be obtained compared to adults. However, these procedures must be performed under the supervision of pediatric specialists.

4- Can every doctor and center perform it?

No, not every doctor can do it. The physician performing this procedure must be a specialist in the relevant field (Physical Therapy, Orthopedics, Hematology, etc.) and possess a certificate authorized by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, it is a legal requirement for the laboratory where the stem cells are produced to have a “GMP” (Good Manufacturing Practices) certificate. Not every hospital or clinic possesses this facility.

5- Who cannot undergo stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is not applied to everyone. It is generally not preferred or is postponed in the following situations:

  • Active Cancer Patients: If there is an active tumor in the body, it is not applied (except for transplants intended for cancer treatment) because there is a theoretical risk that stem cells could feed the tumor.
  • Those with Active Infections: If there is a febrile illness or inflammation in the body, recovery is expected first.
  • Pregnant Women: It is not applied during pregnancy for the safety of the baby.
  • Terminal Stage Patients: Expected benefits may not be achieved in patients with advanced organ failure and depleted body reserves.

6- What is the price of stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy prices in Turkey for foreign patients are approximately 40-60% more economical compared to the rest of the world (especially the USA and Europe). However, there is no single fixed price; costs vary widely depending on the disease to be treated, the type of cell used, and the number of sessions required.