Klinik Ong

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells. Thus, they have the potential to differentiate into various types of specialized cells needed by our body. They can replicate, regenerate, repair and restore cells to good health. These unique features of stem cells mean we can use them to potentially treat, alleviate and even cure a host of diseases.

Stem cells can be sourced from 3 to 5 days old embryo (embryonic stem cells), cord blood or amniotic fluid, or from adult tissues (adult stem cells) such as skin, muscles, bone marrow, fat cells or blood. Stem cells can also be derived from genetically reprogrammed adult cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells.

We can get the stem cells from the patient (autologous) or from another person (allogeneic).

Apart from human, we can also get stem cells from animals.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a treatment that uses stem cells or their derivatives to treat patients with particular diseases. It can be individualized to specific disease, organ or system.

Stem cell therapy is presently at the stage called experimental treatment. This means that its treatment outcome is not quite predictable yet. We still do not know enough to fine-tune the results accurately.

This is not to say that stem cell therapy is ineffective. In fact, some patients have experienced exceptional outcomes. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are also those who did not get any discernible benefits from stem cell treatment. Most outcomes are somewhere in between these two extremes.

So, if you choose to try stem cell therapy, it is essential that you know this fact. It is okay to hope for the best possible outcome, but you must also bear in mind the possibility that you may get no benefits from it at all. Anyone who offers you a "guarantee" cure is not being honest about its potentials.

Another thing to consider is how the stem cells are derived, prepared and kept as this would determine the quality of the stem cells that you get.

The quantity and viability of the stem cells are other factors that can determine the outcome of the therapy.

Stem cells can be frozen or be given fresh. They can be given via infusion or directly injected into the body.

What can stem cell therapy treat?

Stem cells have the ability to replicate and regenerate cells. They also have the ability to differentiate to specialized cells. Thus, they have the power to repair and restore health to damaged or sicked cells.

However, that does not mean that they can be used to treat any illnesses. Organs that are fibrosed or scarred, for examples pulmonary fibrosis or liver cirrhosis, cannot be reversed.

Fortunately, stem cell therapy can be used to treat many other diseases, including repairing the heart muscles, pancreas and kidneys. It can also be used to treat damaged joints from sport injuries. It can help improve functions in diseases of the nuerological system, such as after a stroke (best treated within 2 years), dementia, or Parkinson's Disease. It can balance the hormones and can also help in diseases of the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To be fair, not everyone responds favourably to stem cell therapy. Results vary from patient to patient. Some get extra-ordinary results while others may not get any notable benefits.

As a general rule, results are better when treatment is sought early.

Stem Cell therapy for Common Diseases

Here is a list of some common diseases that stem cell therapy can offer improvements:

1. Diabetes and its complications
2. Autoimmune Diseases
3. Heart Diseases
4. Stroke, Brain, Spinal Cord injuries
5. Arthritis and sport injuries
6. Kidney Diseases
7. Hormonal Imbalance
8. Aging and its consequences

The above list is not exhaustive. There are many other illnesses that have benefited from stem cell treatments.

If you are unsure about stem cell therapy, or want to learn more about this mode of treatment, it is best that you consult your doctor for a clearer picture of what stem cell therapy can or cannot do for you.

Stem Cell Therapy in Malaysia

In Malaysia, stem cells can be sourced both locally (from local ISO-certified labs) and from overseas.

Locally, we have one or two laboratories that are linked to major local universities, who may also be supplying stem cells to various local companies.

Stem cells are also sourced from countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland, USA, and Australia. There are also some who sourced stem cells from companies in China.