Stem Cell Therapy Procedure: Full Process and All Steps

Stem cell therapy is at the cutting edge of medical breakthroughs, opening up possibilities for treating different conditions. At the heart of this revolutionary method is a carefully designed process that involves making special cell products and precisely transplanting them into the body. 

In this article, we break down each step to give you a clear picture of how stem cell procedure works.

Can I Benefit from a Stem Cell Transplant?

Drawing from our experience and supported by research, we have found that individuals with the following health conditions can be candidates for this treatment:

• Autism 
• Cerebral Palsy
• Injury to CNS (brain, spinal cord)
• Post-Stroke Condition
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson Disease 
• Ataxia
• Dementia / Alzheimer Disease
• Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
• Arthritis / Arthrosis / Osteochondrosis
• COPD
• Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF)
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Lyme Disease
• Liver Cirrhosis
• Erectile Dysfunction, etc.

People who have realistic expectations for the treatment’s results, have a doctor’s recommendation, and are devoted to following post-care instructions are the best candidates for stem cell therapy procedure.

Who Is Not Suitable for a Stem Cell Transplant?

Age, current health status, and disease stage are just a few of the risk factors that can affect a person’s suitability for stem cell procedure.

This major medical conditions ltypically have limitations on the use of stem cell therapy:

• bone marrow cancer,
• persistent infections,
• severe anemia, 
• blood disorders.
  

Based on this, the best way to determine eligibility for stem cell therapy is to consult with a specialized stem cell practitioner who can thoroughly examine the individual’s case.  

What Happens Before a Stem Cell Transplantation? 

Before beginning cell therapy, the patient gets a thorough medical examination to confirm eligibility for the treatment. Several diagnostic studies assist the doctor in estimating the patient’s health status and determining whether stem cell treatment procedure is a viable option. If it is, we then determine the dosages that would be both effective and safe to use.

The specific tests required vary for each person, and only doctors can determine the necessary diagnostics on a case-by-case basis. They may include:

1. Blood tests:
   Doctors take samples of the patient’s blood to check different parameters such as complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, blood type, and to see if there are any diseases like hepatitis, HIV, or CMV.
2. Cardiac evaluation:
   Patients might have tests to check how well their heart is working. This can include an EKG or an echocardiogram. These tests help doctors see if there are any heart issues that could make a transplant risky.
3. Infectious disease screening:
   Doctors do tests to make sure the patient doesn’t have any infections that could cause problems during the transplant.
4. Assessment of organ function:
   Depending on the patient’s medical history, doctors might do more tests to ensure there are no other health concerns in the area where the cells will be administered or to check how well certain organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs are working.  

To avoid potential issues, the doctor may prescribe certain medications as part of the standard treatment for the underlying condition. 

How Do We Create a Cell Product?

Stem cells can come from either a donor or a patient. The doctor decides what’s best for each person.

Our experts can suggest using donor (allogeneic) cell products because they are more active, and the patient only needs to come to the clinic once. It’s the best option when starting treatment promptly is necessary or when using the patient’s own biomaterial isn’t possible due to specific reasons, like anesthesia contraindications, bleeding risks, or severe conditions.

In some cases, cells come from the patient (autologous cells). Typically, we can use them immediately after sampling and purification. If we need to grow them, it takes approximately  3–4 weeks to produce a cell product from autologous material. Here, the patient needs to visit the clinic twice: once to collect the cells and then again for the treatment after 3–4 weeks. There’s no need to be present at the clinic during the preparation time.

How Will a Cell Product Get Inside My Body?

We conduct multiple safety checks on stem cells and exosomes before and after administration.

The procedure of transplanting cells doesn’t take long compared to the time it takes to prepare them. Depending on the condition, the cell product is given in different ways:

Doctors typically administer the cells via injections in no more than two procedures in one day. Before the stem cell transplant procedure, the medical team shows all relevant laboratory certificates and explains thoroughly the type of cells being used, their source, and the tests conducted to ensure they’re sterile and safe. Following the procedure, specialists can perform additional tests as needed.

In addition to injections, we offer other treatments using cell products, which may be given differently. For instance, secretome can be administered through inhalation or nasal sprays.

We advocate for a holistic approach and are committed to the safety and well-being of our patients. Throughout the procedure, the medical staff continuously monitors the patient’s vital signs, including:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Respiratory rate and oxygen
• Saturation levels. 

This is possible because we are a hospital equipped with advanced facilities and infrastructure, which can enhance the quality of care and treatment outcomes. When you stay with us, we guarantee that you won’t be discharged the day after the procedure.

Every procedure is carried out in a special cabinet that meets A Grade standards.

After the observation period, the patient can resume their normal life shortly after the cell transplant.

Is The Stem Cell Procedure Painful?

Under proper medical supervision and with appropriate pain management techniques, stem cell procedures are generally not painful. The level of discomfort can vary depending on the part of the body being treated, a specific type of procedure, and the individual’s pain tolerance.

During the procedure, the area is usually numbed to make it as comfortable as possible. However, some people may still experience mild discomfort or soreness at the injection site or during the recovery period following the procedure.

Stem cell procedures are often well-tolerated, even among children. In our experience, we have treated many children with autism, and none of them have reported significant pain.

How Do We Increase the Effect of Cell Therapy?

To make implanted stem cells work better, we use additional treatments that speed up healing and reduce symptoms. Depending on the condition, we might use therapies like: 

• IMR therapy
• Kinesiotherapy 
• Manual therapy
• Plasmapheresis
• Hardware physiotherapy
• Individual lessons with a speech therapist and occupational specialist

We choose these treatments based on the specific situation of the patient. Unlike typical drugs, they don’t weaken the body’s natural defenses or disrupt metabolic and immune functions. Instead, they help activate the body’s own ability to heal. It’s a natural way to get better. 

Are There Any Undesirable Side Effects?

The risk is quite low. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells usually don’t trigger the immune system, so rejection is very uncommon, even with donated cells. The most common reaction after getting the cell product is a brief fever, but this is still relatively rare and usually goes away on its own.

If you have any concerns or questions, you can always talk to your doctor. Our specialists are available even after your therapy.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Stem Cell Transplant?

You will need some time to recover from the stem cell therapy procedure. Recovery time varies depending on the type of transplant, but with proper follow-up care, it generally takes only a few days.

Your doctor might suggest a follow-up appointment in 3 or 6 months after the treatment to see how well it’s working. If needed, the therapy can be repeated after a certain period for a better and longer-lasting effect.

When Can I Expect an Improvement?

It may take a few weeks or even months for transplanted cells to fully start working, but you might notice some improvements shortly after receiving them. Depending on the condition treated, these can include less pain, better movement in affected joints, more energy and activity, and improved test results.

Usually, the transplanted stem cells stay active for about 3 to 6 months. After this time, they stop working, but the effects they started can continue. This means you might see improvements not only in your symptoms but also in your overall health.

If you have any questions about the stem cell transplant procedure and treatments involving cell products, please contact our Medical Advisor using the form. You can talk to a specialist about your case during the online consultation.

Contact us

From start to finish, our medical advisors are here to ensure your stem cell therapy experience is smooth and transparent. Fill out the form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the procedure.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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