Below you will find the answers to many commonly asked questions regarding stem cell sources, collection, implantation and other general questions regarding stem cell therapy at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama.
If you do not find the answer to your questions here or elsewhere on our web site, please feel free to contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer them prompty!
Which kinds of stem cells are used at the Stem Cell Institute?
The primary cells types leveraged for stem cell therapy at the Stem Cell Institute are:
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells – ideally suited for systemic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. They also play a significant role in regenerating injured tissue.
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells – best suited for tissue regeneration due to the synergistic effect of CD34+ cells’ revascularization characteristics in concert with the tissue repairing function of the mesenchymal stem cells
- T-regulatory cells – play a role in immune system modulation
Where do these stem cells come from?
The Stem Cell Institute utilizes adult stem cells derived from:
- Human Umbilical Cord Tissue – a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- Bone Marrow – a good source of CD34+ stem cells (but a poor source of mesenchymal stem cells).
- Adipose Tissue (fat cells) – source of mesenchymal stem cells and an abundant source of T-regulatory cells.
Because we have all of these stem cells sources at our disposal, including the ability to expand cells into larger numbers when indicated, we can select optimal stem cell sources for each disease and, if necessary, each individual.
More information on stem cell tissue sources…
How do stem cells work?
Essentially, stem cells are progenitor cells which are capable of regeneration and differentiation into a wide range of specialized cell types. Once injected, stem cells follow inflammatory signals from damaged tissues and have multiple ways of repairing these damaged areas.
Are there ethical issues involving these types of stem cell therapy?
Adult stem cells are not encompassed by the controversy surrounding fetal and embryonic stem cells. Both the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Church have issued papers which actually encourage research and the use of adult stem cells in the treatment of human disease, as an ethically acceptable alternative to the use of the ethically challenged fetal and embryonic stem cells.
How are the stem cells collected?
Bone marrow and adipose tissue are collected from the subject in a hospital setting under light general anesthesia. These procedures are minimally invasive and done on an out-patient basis.
- Adipose tissue collection – Each subject’s own fat tissue is collected by a licensed plastic surgeon via mini-liposuction. The procedure typically take about an hour.
- Bone marrow collection – Each subject’s bone marrow is collected by an experienced hematologist with an anesthesiologist. The bone marrow is drawn into syringes that are inserted through the skin on the back and into the hip bones. Bone marrow collection typically takes about 1.5 hours.
- Umbilical cord tissue collection – We receive cord donations from healthy women in Panama. Our donors sign a consent form, fill out a detailed questionnaire, and give a blood sample. The mothers’ blood and the cord blood undergo extensive testing for HIV, STD’s, hepatitis, etc.
How are the stem cells processed at the laboratory?
Medistem Panama harvests, isolates, processes, tests and stores all stem cells used at Stem Cell Institute. Medistem Panama operates an 8000 sq. ft., ISO 9001-certified, laboratory that features 3 class 10000 clean rooms, 8 class 100 laminar flow hoods, and 12 class 100 incubators. Medistem Panama was founded by Neil Riordan, PhD.
Guided tours of our lab facilities are arranged upon request.
Why do adipose- (fat) derived stem cell clinical protocols take more than one week?
Intravenously administered adipose-derived stem cells will tend to migrate back to the fresh wound site if it is not given an adequate time to heal. Therefore, it is essential to allow about one week after the mini-liposuction before administering any stem cells intravenously. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the intervention will not be as effective.
Additionally, it takes 7 days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no subject receives an infected sample, at least 7 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the subject. Endotoxin testing must also be performed.
Lastly, this 7-day waiting period enables our scientists to culture a small sample of each subject’s stem cells in the lab to observe how they are likely to proliferate once they are inside the body. If a subject’s cells show low viability, our doctors may supplement them with additional cord-derived cells to compensate. The same can be done in cases of low cell yield.
Are umbilical cord tissue cells safe?
The body’s immune system is unable to recognize umbilical tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells as foreign and therefore they are not rejected. We’ve performed thousands of procedures with HUCT stem cells and there has never been a single instance of rejection.
What is the clinical protocol for my disease/disorder and how long does it take?
Clinical protocols vary by disease. Each subject’s physical condition and other medical factors also play roles. Most clinical protocols last for 1-4 weeks and consist of 3-6 sessions. Typical clinical protocols can be viewed on these pages:
- Heart Failure
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Autoimmune Diseases
Will I be prescribed any drugs?
The doctors will not prescribe any medication as a part of your clinical investigation. However, they do advise a circulating stem cell enhancing supplement regime afterwards.
Does smoking or drinking affect the therapy?
Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking can both be detrimental to new progenitor stem cells. It is highly advisable that people do not smoke or drink during their clinical investigation.
How long will it take to see results?
Each clinical protocol and patient is unique, and there is no guarantee of what results will be seen or how quickly they may be observed. Some subjects have commented on changes during the course of their stay, others have experienced improvement within 6 months of returning home. Some subjects do not improve at all. To see how some subjects have improved, please click the “subject videos” section and the “subject stories” menu for the disease or disorder in which you are interested.
Are there any side effects?
Generally speaking, aside from the initial pain at the injection site, the subject will not experience any discomfort. Less than 10% of (mostly lumbar puncture) subjects have developed a minor fever, headache, nausea or vomiting. However , these side effects have never lasted than three days and usually resolve within 24 hours. No long term negative side effects have been reported.
How much does this clinical investigation cost?
The cost depends on the particular clinical protocol recommended and will be discussed with you following subject application and diagnosis. The cost includes clinical and laboratory services, medical examinations and tests, airport pick-up and transport between your hotel and the clinic.
Will my insurance cover the cost of this clinical investigation?
Insurance companies do not cover the costs of adult stem cell clinical investigations in Panama.
Is physical therapy or rehabilitation available?
Yes. According each patient’s needs, physical therapy will be recommended by our medical team and provided during the course of your stay.
What are the hospitals like?
We conduct out-patient mini-liposuction procedures at private hospitals such as Punta Pacifica, which is affiliated with Johns Hopkins in the US.
Here is an excerpt about Panama’s health care services from Expat Focus:
“…Many of the hospitals and clinics are new and have good, modern facilities. Most of the medical staff in Panama are trained in other countries such as the US so they are aware of all the latest developments and technologies. When compared with other countries, the standard of healthcare is considered to be high. Full care is offered at the hospitals.
Private hospitals such as the Hospital Punta Pacifica have some of the best facilities. This particular hospital is affiliated to Johns Hopkins, one of the most prestigious hospitals in the US. Several hospitals in the country have connections to US institutions, which ensures that they have the best facilities and highly trained staff…”Read the entire article…
What is Panama like?
Panama City is arguably the most developed city in Central America, due in part to the large American military presence here since the building of the Panama Canal. The picturesque view of Panama City is filled with skyscrapers, apartments, world-class hotels and restaurants.
Panama has been voted one of the top 5 places for retirement 8 years running by International Living Magazine. It was also voted the American Capital of Culture in 2003 by the American Capital of Culture Organization.
How long will it take to get an appointment?
Once our medical team has received the medical application and all other requested medical records, it usually takes about 5 working days to review everything. As soon as the review is complete, we’ll contact you to discuss available options.
Once approved, a subject is scheduled for the earliest available time.
This entire process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from initial contact to appointment scheduling. Clinical trial appointments are limited.
How do I apply to become a subject?
To start your evaluation, please complete our online Clinical Investigation Application.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us today!
