Stem cells have the potential to treat many medical conditions.
Stem cell therapy can improve ligament and tendon strength according to one study. However, according to a study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, there is “limited evidence is available regarding the clinical benefit of stem cell therapy for articular cartilage repair.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is concerned that some patients are undergoing illegal and potentially harmful stem cell treatments. It is increasing its oversight to protect people from misleading claims and unscrupulous stem cell clinics.
In an editorial published March 16, 2017 in TheNew England Journal of Medicine, FDA officials warned the lack of evidence for unapproved stem cell treatments is ”worrisome.”
An FDA public workshop conducted in 2016 discussed instances of severe side effects. One patient became blind. Another patient underwent a spinal injection which caused a spinal tumor.
Stem Cell therapy is expensive.
The ability of stem cells to move from the site it was injected and multiply after changing into the wrong cells.
Failure of cells to function as expected.
Growth of tumors.
Even if stem cells are your own cells, there are still safety risks such as those noted above. In addition, if cells are manipulated after removal, there is a risk of contamination of the cells.
Although stem cell therapy may have the potential to treat many medical conditions, some questions about its safety and efficacy still remain.
If stem cell therapy is believed to be necessary, we will refer you to a reputable practitioner.
*Information on this page was taken from the article “FDA Warns About Stem Cell Therapies.”
Disclaimer: All information provided by Dr. Bloom is for educational purposes only It is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or injury. Individual results may vary. No results are guaranteed.
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