FAQs

Stem cells are basic cells with unique capacity to develop into different types of cells and even into an entire organ if given suitable conditions.

Stem cells are present in bone marrow, pulp of milk teeth, urine, menstrual blood, adipose tissue and ample quantity in cord blood, placenta and cord tissue. Even embryos that are discarded after assisted fertilization are good source of stem cells.

Stem cells are present in bone marrow, pulp of milk teeth, in urine, in menstrual blood in adipose tissue and in ample quantity in cord blood, placenta and cord tissue. Even embryos that are discarded after assisted fertilization are good source of stem cells.

A wide range of disease can be treated right from neuromuscular to immunological diseases. As more and more research is going on in this field, more number of diseases is now showing great results.

The duration of stem cell therapy varies from patient to patient, on the disease under treatment and patient's response to the treatment.

As with any therapy, stem cells therapy too has its own percentage of risk, however the chances are greatly reduced if autologous stem cells are used for treatment. The other side effects are rejection, infection due to the procedure. These side effects can be controlled if proper precautions are taken.

Yes, apart from routine blood investigations; blood grouping, TORCH, HLA matching, etc. needs to be carried out.

Depending upon condition of the patient, stem cells are given as intravenous infusions, intra muscular or intrathecal bolus injections. Since the procedure is invasive, it needs to be carried out in a hospital setting under the care of a qualified doctor.

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate and develop into any tissue when given suitable environment. What triggers this response is still under research. However it is known that stem cells when injected into the body attach themselves to the abnormal tissue and differentiate themselves into that particular tissue cell.

Since this technology is still in its infancy, each country has their own laws regarding the treatment using stem cells. In India too, rules and regulations are still being under consideration.

Opinion regarding stem cell therapy is widely split even among medical fraternity with whole hearted support from some doctors and opposition from some, as it is considered that the data of success stories is not yet convincing and a lot of work has to be done in this field.

The treatment using stem cell therapy has been made affordable. The cost depends on the patient and his/her degenerative disease that needs to be treated.

Since there had been a strong opposition to the use of cells derived from human embryos, now stem cells are obtained from bone marrow or from cord blood which does not involve any ethical issue.

Yes, use of stem cells from siblings has shown less chances of rejection.