What are stem cells, and how do they work?
Stem cells are the building blocks of all human tissues. They can differentiate into specialized cell types, like muscle, bone, and cartilage. This flexibility makes them essential for healing and tissue regeneration in our bodies.
In regenerative medicine, stem cells are used for organ and tissue repair. When injected into an area that needs healing, they can communicate with surrounding cells and release signals that promote recovery and reduce chronic inflammation.
How does arthritis affect your body?
Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, and they begin to deteriorate. The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis. Caused by wear and tear on the joints, often linked to aging and repetitive stress.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint linings, leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage.
🧐 Read up on everything you need to know about stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis can include:
- joint pain;
- reduced range of motion;
- swelling;
- difficulty performing daily activities.
How do stem cells work for arthritis?
Stem cell therapy can:
- Regenerate cartilage. Stem cells can differentiate into cartilage cells, helping to restore the damaged cartilage that cushions the bones.
- Reduce inflammation. Stem cells can modulate the immune system and immune cell function. They release anti-inflammatory proteins that reduce swelling and pain in the joints. Since autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by an overactive immune response, stem cells can help regulate it.
- Repair damaged tissue. Stem cells communicate with other cells in the body, sending signals that stimulate healing and tissue repair. This can enhance the body’s natural healing processes, improving overall joint health.
💢 Bothered by knee pain? Find out how stem cell therapy can help you.
What are the benefits of stem cell therapy?
📉 Pain reduction. Stem cell therapy leads to significant pain relief by reducing chronic inflammation in the joint.
🏃 Improved mobility. The therapy enhances joint movement and flexibility by promoting cartilage and tissue repair.
🟢 Minimally invasive. The procedure is less invasive than traditional surgeries, allowing for quicker recovery. Doctors use injections rather than large incisions, which results in shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
⏳ Long-lasting effects. Since stem cell therapy targets the underlying issues instead of symptoms, patients experience sustained improvements even years after treatment as healthy tissue continues to develop.
🏆 Discover how a professional motocross racer defeated arthritis with the help of stem cell treatment:
What types of stem cells are used for arthritis treatment?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the primary type of stem cells used for arthritis treatment due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types and their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
The most common sources of mesenchymal stem cells are:
- adult bone marrow;
- adipose tissue (fat tissue);
- umbilical cord blood or tissue.
They can be derived from the patient’s own body (autologous) or sourced from a donor in a stem cell bank (allogeneic).
🧫 Bone marrow-derived MSCs. These mesenchymal stem cells are the most prevalent, rich in growth factors, and capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. The doctor numbs the patient’s pelvic area with an anesthetic and inserts a needle into the bone (usually the hip) to obtain liquid marrow, also known as bone marrow aspirate. It is then processed in the lab to isolate the mesenchymal stem cells.
🧫 Adipose-derived MSCs. Sourced from fat tissue, these mesenchymal stem cells are easily obtained and have strong regenerative properties. Current methods for harvesting stem cells from adipose tissue include drawing fat with a needle (aspiration), liposuction, and direct excision.
🧫 Umbilical cord-derived MSCs. Umbilical cord stem cells are harvested by collecting blood from the cord after it has been cut, a painless procedure for both mother and baby. They are highly regenerative, contain 10 times more stem cells than those obtained from bone marrow, and can be easily stored for future medical use.
🔜 Future perspectives. As the population ages, the regenerative capacity of adult stem cells declines. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—adult stem cells genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state—present a potential solution. Although iPSCs have not yet been widely adopted in clinical settings, Researchers are actively investigating ways to enhance the safety of iPSCs for therapeutic use.
What type of stem cells is the best for arthritis treatment?
Research shows that all three types of MSCs exhibit comparable safety and efficacy for treating RA. Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells are utilized more commonly (78%) due to being easier to obtain.
For osteoarthritis, studies indicate that the most effective stem cells come from donated umbilical cord tissue or the patient's own adipose tissue.
What are the success rates and results of stem cell therapy for arthritis?
Stem cell therapy has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating arthritis across various clinical trials:
- In a systematic review, 67% of studies reported patients felt their health improved twofold after treatment.
- One large study found an average 54% reduction in knee pain over 24 months. Notably, patients with moderate osteoarthritis showed a 70.2% improvement.
- 87.9% of patients felt they had benefited from the treatment, with 10.8% claiming full recovery and 56.2% feeling significantly better.
- 90% of patients with severe knee osteoarthritis successfully avoided total knee replacement surgery after stem cell therapy.
- One clinical trial reported a 64.8% decrease in WOMAC scores, indicating a significant improvement in pain, stiffness, and joint function.
- Mesenchymal stem cells can decrease rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by up to 30%, regardless of their origin or method of administration.
- Stem cell therapy can be effective even for those who have not found relief through conventional treatment options. In a study involving patients who were unresponsive to medications, 54% achieved a good or moderate response after stem cell therapy.
💎 Considering that up to 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis do not respond to traditional treatments, stem cell therapy presents a valuable alternative.
Are stem cells FDA-approved for arthritis?
Currently, stem cell therapies for arthritis are not FDA-approved. While clinical trials are ongoing and showing positive results, stem cell therapy has not yet undergone the full FDA approval process for specific indications like arthritis.
However, approved stem cell therapies for arthritis are more widely available worldwide. This has led to an increase in medical tourism, where patients travel abroad to access these treatments.
What is the cost of stem cell therapy for arthritis?
On average, arthritis stem cell therapy cost can range from $3,000 to $10,000. However, the price can vary based on multiple factors, including:
- The number of injections required.
- The location of the treatment facility.
- The expertise and reputation of the treating physician.
- The type of stem cells used and any additional therapies included.
You can compare stem cell therapy costs across the most popular destinations below:
|
Country
|
Stem Cell Therapy Cost Range
|
|
Mexico
|
$3,000 - $5,000
|
|
Turkey
|
$3,000 - $6,000
|
|
Colombia
|
$5,000 - $9,000
|
|
Israel
|
$4,000 - $6,000
|
|
Thailand
|
$1,500 - $4,000
|
|
Spain
|
$11,000 - $34,000
|
❗ Since these countries are oriented towards medical tourism, they offer patients all-inclusive packages. These packages can include multiple injections, additional therapies, transfers, and accommodation, with total costs ranging from $4,500 to $15,000.
💰 Read our cost guide to knee pain relief with stem cells.
Where can I get stem cell treatment for arthritis?
The best destinations for stem cell therapy are:
🌵 Mexico. The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) oversees the regulatory environment, ensuring that stem cell treatments are safe and effective.
🕌 Turkey. The TÜBA Stem Cell Work Group, established by the Turkish Academy of Sciences, monitors stem cell research and international regulations. This group organizes studies and conferences to advance stem cell therapies, making Turkey a leader in innovative treatments.
🌴 Colombia. The country’s Ministry of Health strictly regulates the use and testing of stem cells through INVIMA, Colombia’s FDA equivalent. Colombia has adopted a progressive approach to stem cell research, including the approval of groundbreaking clinical trials like using stem cells to treat COVID-19.
✡️ Israel. Israel has significantly contributed to developing stem cell therapies for various health conditions. Israeli researchers were instrumental in developing CRISPR gene-editing technology and creating beating heart cells from stem cells.
🛕 Thailand. Thailand has been at the forefront of stem cell applications for nearly 30 years since research began in 1995 at the Mahidol University Medical School.
🪭 Spain. Spain is home to major stem cell banks, including the largest bank for umbilical stem cells in Europe. Additionally, Spain is one of the few countries that legally permits research on embryonic stem cells under strict supervision, facilitating scientific breakthroughs.
Based on the Bookimed Ranking Policy, we have identified the top 10 clinics for arthritis stem cell therapy in these countries:
|
Clinic
|
Location
|
Description
|
Cost
|
|
Cellular Hope Institute
|
Cancun, Mexico
|
A regenerative medicine center with 12 years of experience in immunology and rheumatology. Offers VIP transfers and accommodation.
|
Upon request
|
|
ID Clinic
|
Bangkok, Thailand
|
Uses rigorously screened mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord donors, ensuring safety from diseases and contaminants.
|
$1,100 - $1,300
|
|
Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine
|
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
|
With over 20 years of experience, the clinic is well-regarded in regenerative medicine. It offers comprehensive treatment packages that include stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, ozone therapy, peptides, Myers' cocktail, intravenous vitamin C, and PRP-B. The team includes biologists, biophysicists, and nutritionists skilled in developing medical protocols for using mesenchymal stem cells.
|
$15,000 for a package
|
|
Medipol Mega University Hospital
|
Istanbul, Turkey
|
One of Turkey's top hospitals, this JCI-accredited facility sees over 1 million patients each year. Dr. Ahmet Murat Bülbül, an orthopedic doctor with over 22 years of experience, provides stem cell therapy for arthritis.
|
Upon request
|
|
Liv Hospital Ulus
|
Istanbul, Turkey
|
The center’s doctors specialize in treating joint and cartilage diseases utilizing the patient's own cells for orthopedic treatments. The center is certified by the Turkish Ministry of Health for stem cell therapies.
|
Upon request
|
|
Medical Center Juventa
|
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
|
A leader in regenerative medicine with its own stem cell bank and laboratory. The center boasts an 80% success rate in joint regeneration, utilizing 100 million stem cells.
|
$3,200 - $4,800
|
|
Giostar
|
Cancun, Mexico
|
A global leader in stem cell research and therapy, headquartered in San Diego, California. The all-inclusive treatment includes 35 million stem cells, 2 billion exosomes, nutritional IV and antioxidants, and oxygen therapy.
|
$8,500 for a package
|
|
Reju Medical Clinic
|
Medellín, Colombia
|
A globally-recognized regenerative medicine center with branches in 6 countries. The team with over 15 years of experience is dedicated to treating arthritis and chronic pain.
|
Depends on condition
|
|
Sourasky Medical Center
|
Tel Aviv, Israel
|
Israel's largest medical center and one of the world’s top 10 clinics for medical tourism, according to Newsweek. Offers Orthokine therapy for arthritis using proteins from the patient's blood to reduce chronic inflammation and promote healing.
|
From $6,500 for a package
|
|
Centro Médico Teknon
|
Barcelona, Spain
|
The top choice for celebrities like Shakira, Centro Medico Teknon has provided stem cell therapy for FC Barcelona players. Teknon’s Institute of Regenerative Medicine specializes in treating osteoarthritis using mesenchymal cells. Patients receive significant pain relief in 100% of cases.
|
$11,100 - $33,450
|
Is stem cell therapy for arthritis safe?
Research and clinical data consistently demonstrate that stem cell therapy for arthritis is safe even in high doses. For example, an extensive review of 36 clinical trials involving more than 1,000 participants found no evidence of severe complications.
Common side effects are mild and temporary:
- joint pain;
- stiffness;
- swelling;
- chills or fever.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to choose a reputable healthcare provider. With its network of over 1,500 internationally accredited facilities, Bookimed can assist you in finding the right clinic.
What is the treatment process?
The whole process usually takes around 2-7 days, depending on the type of treatment and stem cells used. Here is a rough timeline:
🗓️ Day 1: Consultation
Meet with the doctor to evaluate medical history, undergo physical examinations, and discuss treatment options.
🗓️ Day 2: Stem cell sourcing
Doctors harvest stem cells from your body or use donor cells from a stem cell bank.
🗓️ Day 3-4: Processing (if applicable)
The harvested stem cells are processed in a laboratory to concentrate them for injection. If the treatment uses donor cells, these will already be processed and ready for use, eliminating the need for additional processing time.
🗓️ Day 5: Injection
The processed stem cells are injected into the affected joint(s) or administered intravenously (IV). The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia.
🗓️ Days 6-7: Post-treatment care and monitoring
After the injection, patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess progress and adjust recovery plans as needed.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
Preparation for stem cell therapy is fairly easy and straightforward. The most important thing is to closely follow your doctor's instructions.
💊 Medications. Inform your doctor if you are on any blood-thinning medications prior to the procedure. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen for 7 days before your injection.
💧 Hydration. Drink approximately 6 cups of water per day in the 1-2 days before the procedure and on the day of your injection.
🛋️ Prepare for recovery. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home, with any necessary items and a supportive environment for rest.
What happens after the treatment?
🗓️ Days 1-3: Early symptoms
You should expect some stiffness, swelling, and pain in the treated joint, which may limit mobility. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort.
🗓️ Days 4-7: Resuming activities
By this time, most patients feel ready to resume normal activities. However, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
🗓️ Weeks 1-2: Exercise guidance
As you gradually reintroduce activities, your doctor may recommend a home exercise program.
🗓️ Months 1-3: Gradual improvement
New cell growth and tissue repair take time. You can expect mild improvements in pain and mobility within the first month, but significant results typically take 2-3 months or longer.
❗ Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen and aspirin) for 8-10 weeks after treatment since they can interfere with the regenerative process.
How long do the results of stem cell therapy last?
Studies have documented improved symptoms and cartilage repair lasting between 3 to 7 years after treatment. In some cases, patients have been able to postpone or avoid total knee arthroplasty (TKA) through effective pain mitigation even after 10 years. However, the results of stem cell therapy are highly individual and can vary based on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, disease severity, and the specifics of therapy.
It’s worth noting that while even a single injection can lead to symptom improvement, patients may require repeat injections for sustained results. Superior clinical outcomes have been achieved with repeated doses of mesenchymal stem cells given at intervals (from 6 months).
How does stem cell therapy compare to traditional arthritis treatments?
Stem cell therapy tackles the processes behind the disease directly, whereas other treatments primarily manage symptoms without addressing the root causes of arthritis. This makes stem cell therapy a promising option, especially for patients who have not found relief through traditional methods.
Here’s a brief overview of some conventional treatments:
|
Conventional treatments
|
Description
|
|
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
|
Used to reduce pain and inflammatory responses (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
|
|
Corticosteroids
|
Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help with severe pain, but long-term use may lead to significant side effects.
|
|
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
|
Used for rheumatoid arthritis to slow disease progression; can have serious side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, liver problems, and infections.
|
|
Physical therapy
|
Involves exercises to improve joint function and reduce pain. Can complement stem cell therapy, which aims for healing at a cellular level.
|
|
Surgery (e.g., knee replacement)
|
Invasive procedure for severe cases where other treatments fail; significant recovery time required (around 12 months).
|
How to choose a stem cell treatment provider?
Choosing the right stem cell treatment provider is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your treatment. Here are some tips to help you navigate this important decision:
- Verify credentials. Look for accredited clinics and doctors who have relevant certifications in regenerative medicine. Check their qualifications, training, and experience in stem cell therapy.
- Research reputation. Read patient reviews and testimonials to gauge the clinic's reputation and the success rate of their treatments.
- Understand the procedure. Ask about the specifics of the stem cell therapy, including the source of the stem cells, the treatment protocol, and any associated risks or side effects. A reputable provider should be transparent about their methods.
- Inquire about follow-up care. Ensure that the clinic offers comprehensive follow-up care and support throughout your recovery process. Regular check-ins are essential for monitoring your progress.
- Discuss costs. Understand the total costs and what services they include.
💚 If you're feeling unsure or need professional assistance, leave a request on the Bookimed website. A dedicated medical coordinator will help you choose the best fit for your needs and guide you through the whole process.
Resources
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Stem cells: What they are and what they do. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
- Stem Cells International. (2020). Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Current Applications and Future Directions in the Regeneration of Multiple Tissues. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/8810813
- Cells. (2023). Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Possibilities and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Based Therapies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10378234/
- The Journal of Orthopaedic Research. (2023). Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jor.25724
- Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). (2023). Clinical Trials with Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies for Osteoarthritis: Challenges in the Regeneration of Articular Cartilage. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10298392/
- Regenerative Medicine. (2022). Real-world Evidence of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Large Prospective Two-Year Case Series. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2217/rme-2022-0002
- Arthritis Research & Therapy. (2016). Efficacy and safety of adult human bone marrow-derived, cultured, pooled, allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (Stempeucel®): preclinical and clinical trial in osteoarthritis of the knee joint. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5168586/
- Cells. (2020). Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: An Update on Clinical Applications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465092/
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Mayo Clinic Q and A: Stem cell therapy for arthritis. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritis/