When considering stem cell therapy, many people wonder, "Am I eligible for this treatment?"
In conclusion, stem cell therapy is not available to everyone. Whether or not treatment is suitable for a patient is determined through an assessment by a physician.
To understand the criteria for making that decision, it's essential to first understand how stem cells work.
This article provides a clear explanation of how stem cells work, the cases in which they are suitable for treatment, and the criteria for determining treatment suitability.
📌 Key points of this article
- Stem cell therapy is not a treatment that everyone can receive.
- In Japan, doctors comprehensively evaluate a patient's health condition, medical history, test results, and treatment objectives, and determine whether a treatment is appropriate, taking safety into consideration.
- If you are considering treatment, we recommend that you first consult with a doctor.
table of contents
- How do stem cells work?
- What is the homing effect?
- Main functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
- The process leading up to stem cell therapy
- Physician's assessment of suitability and treatment plan
- Treatment methods vary depending on age and purpose.
- What will be confirmed during the initial consultation?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Reference information
1. How do stem cells work?
Stem cells have two major characteristics that support tissue repair.
- Differentiation ability : The ability to differentiate into certain cells, such as bone, cartilage, and fat, under specific conditions.
- Self-renewal ability : The ability to continuously increase the number of the same stem cells.
These functions are thought to support the repair of damaged tissues and cells with impaired function.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine.
At Helene Clinic, we culture mesenchymal stem cells that meet our criteria and use them for treatment.
2. What is the homing effect?
One of the characteristics of stem cell therapy is the homing effect .
In damaged tissue, a signal called SDF-1 is generated. Stem cells sense this signal via the CXCR4 receptor and have a tendency to gather at the site of injury.
This function is called the "homing effect" and is thought to be involved in regulating the tissue environment and supporting the repair process.
Dr. Matsuoka explains that this mechanism "has the characteristic of moving to damaged tissue and supporting the repair environment."
3. Main functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
Stem cell function is thought to change depending on age, health status, and other factors, and doctors evaluate these factors as important criteria when determining whether treatment is appropriate.
Studies have reported the following effects of MSCs:
| action | overview |
|---|---|
| Inflammation regulation | It secretes anti-inflammatory factors and supports the regulation of the inflammatory response. |
| Maintaining immune balance | It is expected to help regulate the balance of immune function. |
| Supports the maintenance of cellular function | The role of cytokines and growth factors in regulating the tissue environment is being studied. |
| Cell differentiation | It is believed that these cells differentiate into new cells as needed. |
*These are effects reported in academic research, and actual therapeutic effects may vary from person to person.
4. The process leading up to receiving stem cell therapy
Regenerative medicine in Japan is conducted under a strict legal framework.
Medical institutions that provide regenerative medicine must submit a regenerative medicine provision plan to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and only proceed with treatment after it has been reviewed and accepted.
Therefore, the treatment plan and eligibility criteria for patients are determined based on the submitted regenerative medicine treatment plan.
Before starting treatment, the doctor will assess the patient's condition and evaluate their suitability for treatment.
5. Physician's assessment of suitability and treatment plan
Helene Clinic offers autologous stem cell therapy using your own adipose-derived stem cells.
Because the patient's own cells are used, an individualized assessment of suitability is necessary, taking into account their age, health condition, medical history, and other factors.
The indications for treatment and the number of cells administered are not determined solely by the patient's wishes.
The physician will comprehensively evaluate the following information and create a treatment plan with safety as the top priority.
- age
- Medical history
- blood test
- Ultrasound examination
- CT scan
- MRI scan
6. Treatment methods vary depending on age and purpose.
When the goal is beauty or anti-aging, stem cell therapy is not the only option.
Depending on the examination results, we may suggest a more suitable treatment method, such as fibroblast therapy.
The assessment of suitability is not only a way to determine whether treatment is appropriate, but also a crucial process for selecting the optimal treatment method for the patient.
7. What to confirm during the initial counseling session
Treatment suitability will be determined through consultation with a doctor.
During the initial consultation, we will primarily review the following points to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for stem cell therapy.
- Current health condition
- Medical history
- Current illness
- Medications you are currently taking
- Treatment purpose
Based on that information, we will guide you through a treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual condition.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do stem cells work?
Stem cells are thought to possess a property called the homing effect.
The homing effect is the process by which stem cells sense signals emitted by damaged tissue and gather in the area where they are needed.
Subsequently, research has focused on the role of stem cells in regulating inflammatory responses and supporting the maintenance and improvement of the tissue environment.
Can anyone receive stem cell therapy?
No. In Japan, based on a regenerative medicine provision plan, specialists comprehensively evaluate the patient's health condition and treatment objectives to determine if treatment is appropriate.
How is treatment eligibility determined?
The physician will make a final decision on the treatment indication and the number of cells to be administered based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health status, medical history, current illnesses, medication status, various test results, and treatment objectives.
