When you first consider stem cell therapy and regenerative treatments, we have compiled frequently asked questions and their answers.
We try to explain technical terms as simply as possible so that they are easy to understand.
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What is Regenerative Therapy?
Regenerative therapy is a medical discipline that aims to repair or replace cells and tissues damaged or lost due to disease or injury. In regenerative therapy, new cells are introduced to restore physiological function. By enhancing the body's natural healing capabilities, this approach seeks to improve conditions previously considered incurable.
Specific methods include stem cell therapy (which we provide), tissue engineering techniques (the creation of artificial tissues and organs), and gene therapy.
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What are the applications of regenerative therapy?
Regenerative therapy has extensive applications. Examples include brain and spinal cord injuries, cardiac damage following a heart attack, ocular diseases such as corneal blindness or retinal diseases, and articular cartilage damage.
Research and applications continue to advance for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, severe dermatological disorders, and recalcitrant wounds. Additionally, regenerative therapies are being explored for cancer treatment (immunotherapy) and the prevention of aging (anti-aging).
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What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a medical treatment modality that utilizes specialized stem cells to restore physiological function. Stem cells possess two crucial capabilities: self-renewal (the capacity for self-replication) and differentiation (the capacity to develop into diverse cell types).
These cells are found in various parts of the body, including bone marrow, blood, adipose tissue, and the umbilical cord (which we utilize). They play a role in repairing damaged tissue and replacing lost cells. Stem cell therapy can utilize cells from the patient's own body (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic).
For more detailed information,Here.
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What is NK Cell Therapy?
NK cell therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves activating and expanding natural killer (NK) cells within the body, followed by their reinfusion into the patient to bolster immune function. NK cells are a class of immune cells capable of identifying and targeting cancer cells or virus-infected cells.
When NK cell function declines due to disease or aging, the body's ability to combat cancer cells weakens, and susceptibility to infection increases. By reactivating NK cells, this therapy can enhance the body's defenses against cancer and infectious diseases.
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What is Secretome?
Secretome is defined as the fluid secreted by stem cells during culture, which is rich in beneficial components. This fluid comprises cytokines, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules that contribute to reducing inflammation and fostering cellular repair and regeneration.
Exosomes are a component found within the secretome and are responsible for intercellular communication. The secretome contains various active components, enabling broader applications in medicine.
In the field of regenerative therapy, the use of secretome is relatively novel and is currently being applied primarily for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and joint pain reduction.
For more detailed information,Here.
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Is the cost of stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
BPJS Health Insurance does not cover the cost of stem cell therapy.
This treatment is provided as a self-pay therapy, so for more details, pleaseContact Us.
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What is the duration of the treatment?
For stem cell infusion therapy, approximately 60-120 minutes are required from the insertion of the intravenous line until the cells have entered the body.
However, the duration may vary depending on the patient's specific symptoms and treatment. For instance, if a joint injection is required, the procedure time will be extended. Similarly, if a high cell count is present, the infusion will take longer. Your specific schedule will be explained individually, ensuring complete clarity.
For more details, seeHere.
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How long do the effects of the treatment last?
The onset and duration of effects vary depending on the type of disease and individual patient differences. Some patients report pain reduction and symptom improvement immediately after treatment.
For example, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received direct intra-articular stem cell injections, swelling subsided and pain was reduced immediately following treatment.
Conversely, cases involving nerve repair or organ regeneration typically require several months for the effects to be observed.
Approximately 3-6 months post-treatment, stem cells typically commence optimal functioning, at which point significant symptomatic improvements are frequently observed. This timeframe is necessary as stem cells require time to adapt within the body and differentiate into the requisite cell types, leading to a gradual progression of physiological changes.
For instance, in cases of spinal cord injury, muscle strength begins to improve 6 months post-treatment, and ambulation continues to enhance over the subsequent year. Clinical studies and trials also indicate that the effects of stem cell therapy tend to augment over time.
It is crucial to observe the effects patiently, consistently continuing physical therapy and routine examinations as your body recovers.
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Where are stem cells sourced?
Stem cell therapy at 23Century utilizes healthy infant umbilical cords from provided donors.
Specifically, we accept umbilical cord donations from mothers who deliver via Cesarean section. The umbilical cords, no longer required at the time of delivery, are subsequently extracted and cultured to obtain stem cells.
For maternal donors, prior infection screening (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis) and a health evaluation are conducted. Umbilical cords are only provided when all stringent standards are met.
No safety concerns were present for the infant or the mother, and the process was conducted without ethical concerns.
Donated umbilical cords undergo immediate disinfection and are subsequently transported to our partner NPRA-compliant cell culture facility (Lab 23C) for stem cell extraction and culture. The entire process, from collection to culture, is managed under stringent protocols, thereby yielding high-quality and safe stem cells.
Following the successful completion of all required inspections, the cultured stem cells are utilized for treatment. All donor and cell batch information is meticulously documented and maintained with full traceability, providing complete assurance.
In Japan, allogeneic umbilical cord stem cell treatment is not approved. However, in Malaysia, this treatment is safely administered within a regulated framework. The advantages of allogeneic stem cells include eliminating the need for extraction from the patient, thereby reducing the physical burden, and crucially, allowing the use of young and potent cells. This offers substantial benefits not achievable with autologous cells.
For more detailed information,Here.
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Are there any side effects of stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is considered a treatment with a very low incidence of side effects. Globally, there are few reported instances of serious, life-threatening adverse events following stem cell infusion.
In clinical trials and 23Century treatment, no serious adverse events were detected. Possible side effects include transient fever, headache, and nausea.
In some cases, a mild fever may develop within 24-48 hours post-infusion, indicative of a mild immune response. Headache and fatigue may also occur, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
This is regarded as a transient reaction that occurs upon the body's reception of stem cells. Additionally, in extremely rare instances, localized pain or a rash at the injection site may manifest; however, with appropriate management, resolution is typically swift.
It is important to monitor your physical condition post-treatment and promptly contact medical staff if you experience anything unusual.
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What are the differences between Wharton's Jelly Stem Cells and other stem cells?
Wharton's Jelly stem cells are the youngest and most active stem cells, combining the power of growth, repair, and immune modulation. Compared to other representative stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived MSCs or adipose-derived MSCs, they excel in the following aspects:
- High proliferative capacityWJ-MSC cells proliferate rapidly when cultured ex vivo, and a large number of cells can be obtained in a short time. There are reports that the proliferation rate is several times higher compared to MSCs from bone marrow or fat. This allows for treatment with high cell concentrations, which makes the effects easier to enhance.
- Broad range of differentiationThe more types of cells that can differentiate, the more useful they are for regenerating various tissues. Fat-derived MSCs have a relatively limited differentiation range, but WJ-MSCs can differentiate into various cells such as nerve, cartilage, bone, muscle, liver, and so on. This is because infant stem cells retain some totipotency, and theoretically, may be involved in the repair of any organ.
- The power of strong immune modulation and anti-inflammatory action.WJ-MSC not only promotes the repair of damaged tissue but also possesses a very strong ability to suppress inflammation and balance immunity. Therefore, significant effects can be expected for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diseases with chronic inflammation. Furthermore, its preventive effects against cancer through immunity are currently being researched.
- Muda dan sangat aktif:Because the source of extraction is the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, the cells themselves are not old and have long telomeres (= long cell life). Even when culturing is repeated, their quality does not deteriorate, and the cells also work energetically within the patient's body.
For these reasons, Wharton's Jelly stem cells are globally recognized as the new standard in regenerative therapy. For more details,Here.
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Is Wharton's Jelly Stem Cell Therapy available in Japan?
Unfortunately, there are currently no medical facilities in Japan that provide treatment using Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC).
In Japan, pursuant to the Regenerative Medicine Safety Assurance Act, medical facilities conducting stem cell therapy are required to register and undergo prior review. However, allogeneic WJ-MSCs, which are classified as Category 1, have not yet been registered in the list of regenerative medicine provision plans.
Registry of Plans for Providing Registered Regenerative Therapy (Treatment)
Therefore, if Japanese citizens wish to undergo Wharton's Jelly stem cell therapy, they would need to travel to a country with well-established regulations, such as Malaysia.
Guidelines for Stem Cell and Cell-Based Research and Therapy (3rd Edition)
23C is a facility approved by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and is capable of safely and effectively providing Wharton's Jelly stem cell therapy. Our strength lies in our ability to offer cutting-edge medical therapies, which are not permissible in Japan, within a well-established regulatory environment.
There may be an agreement in Japan in the future, but currently we rely on overseas medical services. For more details,Contact Us.
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What is the cost of stem cell therapy?
The cost varies significantly depending on the treatment, number of sessions, and the quantity of cells infused. For this reason, it is difficult to provide a single definitive figure.
23C takes into account the patient's budget and recommends an optimal package within our capabilities. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Lihat Here.
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What is the recommended duration of stay in Malaysia for medical treatment?
A minimum stay of 2 nights and 3 days is sufficient to complete the treatment. For example, you could depart from Japan on Friday, receive treatment on Saturday, and return on Sunday.
For more details, seeHere.
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Is the Secretome Different from Stem Cells?
Yes, they are different.
The secretome is a fluid containing beneficial growth factors and cytokines secreted by cultured stem cells, and is devoid of viable stem cells.
Treatment options vary depending on the objective. However, for severe diseases or when extensive tissue repair is required, the direct use of stem cells is more effective. Conversely, for relatively mild conditions aimed at reducing inflammation, or for aesthetic purposes (e.g., skin rejuvenation), the simpler method of infusing secretome is often chosen.
Each option offers distinct advantages; therefore, 23Century will provide recommendations precisely tailored to the patient's expectations and circumstances.
For more details,Here.
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Will my genetic material be altered if allogeneic stem cells are administered?
Your genes and genetic material will not be altered if another person's stem cells are injected into you.
The therapeutic effect of stem cell therapy does not arise from the direct integration of transplanted stem cells into tissues or the rewriting of the patient's genetic information. Instead, it is due to the transplanted stem cells activating the patient's own cells and promoting functional recovery. Consequently, DNA and genes are not altered by stem cell injection.
Initially, it was believed that transplanted stem cells migrated to the site of injury and integrated into that tissue to differentiate into specific cells that exerted therapeutic effects. However, recent research indicates that the number of transplanted cells remaining at the injury site long-term is very small, and the primary mechanism of the therapeutic effect is that stem cells secrete biologically active substances that heal the patient's own cells.
Therefore, stem cell therapy is safe because the genes are not altered.
Reference: Frontiers
At 23Century, we believe it is essential to address patient concerns and questions prior to treatment, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident.
We have compiled frequently asked questions to help you better understand regenerative therapy and stem cell treatment.
Should your questions remain unanswered here, or if you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our professional team is prepared to offer clear and accessible guidance.