Medical Mythbusting: The Truth About Stem Cell Therapy

In the last few decades, medical treatment has sprung forward in leaps and bounds, offering us new, more effective ways to keep people healthy. Stem cell therapy is one of these new methods that can be applied to multiple medical conditions — from cerebral palsy to autism and beyond. However, stem cell therapy can be a controversial topic in some circles, mostly due to the misconceptions and myths that surround it. But we are here to clear the air around this procedure and debunk some of the misinformation surrounding it. So that you can feel more confident about this treatment.

But first, what are stem cells, and what is stem cell therapy?

Stem cells are a category of cells that have the potential to become muscle, brain, or any other kind of cell in the human body. Essentially, they don’t have a blueprint to follow, and that allows them to replace and repair any type of damaged cells. This treatment can be used to combat a number of conditions. For example, stem cell therapy in the treatment of autism can help mitigate some of the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the disorder. 

There are two types of stem cell therapy –– autologous and allogeneic. Autologous therapy uses stem cells taken from the patient, while allogeneic requires cells from a donor. Here at Plexus we only offer the former, as it has significantly lower risk associated with it. But our safety protocols don’t end there. We undertake a comprehensive treatment procedure that involves an in-depth discussion of patient history, testing, and sampling, to make sure the process is as safe as possible for you.

Myth vs Fact

As with any new medical procedure, there are many myths and fears that surround stem cell treatment. However, many of these have been debunked through rigorous testing and research. Here are some of the most common misconceptions, and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Stem cells can only be taken from embryos

This is patently false. While embryonic tissue is a potential source of stem cells, it’s definitely not the only one. Embryonic stem cells can also be found in umbilical tissue, which can be donated and frozen by mothers who experience a normal birth, but it is not the only type of stem cell in existence. Many clinics prefer to use adult stem cells. These can be found in all parts of your body from organs to tissue; the ones used in treatment usually come from bone marrow or fat. At Plexus, adult autologous stem cell therapy requires stem cells taken from the bone marrow of the patient.

Myth 2: Stem cell therapy is unethical

This misconception comes from the widespread belief the stem cells can only be taken from embryos. As explained earlier, there are several alternative sources for stem cells, and stem cell therapy almost always uses cells from the patient themselves, rather than from a donor. The procedure is done with the patient’s consent, and heavy regulations are in place to keep them safe. 

Myth 3: Stem cell therapy carries a risk of “rejection” by the body

“Rejection” occurs when the body identifies a donor component, for example, an organ, as a foreign body. With stem cells, there is a fear that the body may reject the cells before they have a chance to repair cellular damage, therefore making the condition worse. However stem cell therapy requires a lot of background research and testing before the patient is even given clearance to begin treatment. Additionally, because autologous cell treatment takes adult stem cells from the patient’s own body, the likelihood of the body rejecting the cells as a foreign entity is very low. 

Myth 4: Stem cell therapy is unsafe.

The procedure itself is fast and relatively painless. Many of our patients return to work the very same day. 

Myth 5: Stem cell therapy can cause cancer

First thing’s first, there are no cancer risks associated with adult autologous stem cell therapy. Since adult autologous therapy uses fully formed adult cells, there is little to no chance of them mutating to become cancer cells.

There you have it — some of the most common myths surrounding stem cell therapy put to rest. Whether you’re looking for stem cell therapy in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, or any other city in India, we hope that this will give you the peace of mind you need to consider this treatment as a viable medical option for you and your loved ones.