Stem Cell Therapy Applications 幹細胞療法相關應用

🧫 What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Cell therapy involves the transplantation of living cells into the human body to repair or replace damaged tissue, regulate immune function, or restore organ function. 

🔍 Major Clinical Applications of Stem Cell Therapy

1. 🧠 Neurological Disorders

• Conditions Treated: Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Mechanism: Stem cells may differentiate into neurons or glial cells, supporting nerve repair and function restoration

• Clinical Status: Early-stage trials show promise in improving motor function and neural regeneration

2. ❤️ Cardiovascular Diseases

• Conditions Treated: Myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, peripheral artery disease

• Cell Types Used: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells, autologous peripheral blood stem cells

• Mechanism: Cells promote tissue repair and angiogenesis via paracrine signaling and regenerative support

3. 🦴 Degenerative and Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Conditions Treated: Osteoarthritis (especially knee joints), cartilage degradation, tendon injuries

• Common Cell Types: Autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), bone marrow stem cells

• Benefits: Reduce inflammation, support cartilage regeneration, relieve pain, and improve mobility

4. 🧠 Autoimmune & Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

• Conditions Treated: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis

• Cell Types: Mesenchymal stem cells with immune-modulating capabilities

• Clinical Effects: Reduce inflammation, improve immune regulation, and relieve clinical symptoms

• Status: Several treatments are in Phase II/III clinical trials

5. 🧫 Liver and Kidney Disease

• Applications:

  • Chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis

  • Early-stage chronic kidney disease or injury

• Mechanism: Stem cells may differentiate into hepatocyte-like or renal tubular cells, supporting tissue repair and slowing disease progression

• Clinical Status: Trials are ongoing in several countries, including Taiwan

6. 🌸 Reproductive Medicine and Women's Health

• Applications:

  • Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

  • Thin endometrium or intrauterine adhesions

• Cell Types: Autologous bone marrow or umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells

• Clinical Trend: Applied to improve endometrial receptivity and implantation success in IVF treatment

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Many cell therapies remain in clinical trial phases and must be administered under strict medical supervision.

• Long-term efficacy and safety are still under investigation. Regulatory approval is limited to specific therapies and regions.

• Avoid unregulated "cell therapy tourism." Always seek treatment from certified medical institutions.