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!
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The primary cells types leveraged for stem cell therapy at the Stem Cell Institute are:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells – ideally suited for treating systemic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. They also play a significant role in regenerating injured tissue.
CD34+ Stem Cells (hematopoietic) – 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
More information about stem cells…
The Stem Cell Institute utilizes adult stem cells derived from:
Bone Marrow – a good source of CD34+ stem cells (but a poor source of mesenchymal stem cells).
Adipose Tissue (fat cells) – the richest source of mesenchymal stem cells (about 20 times more than bone marrow) and an abundant source of T-regulatory cells.
Human Umbilical Cords – a balanced source of the most potent CD34+ (blood forming) and MSCs.
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 we treat.
More information on stem cell sources…
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.
More information about how stem cells work…
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.
Bone marrow and adipose tissue are collected from the patient in a hospital setting under light general anesthesia. These procedures are minimally invasive and done on an out-patient basis.
Adipose tissue collection – Each patient’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 patient’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 blood and matrix 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.
More on stem cell collection…
Our laboratory, Medistem Panama, Inc., operates an 8000 sq. ft. GMP and GLP compliant laboratory that features 3 class 10000 clean rooms, 8 class 100 laminar flow hoods, and 12 class 100 incubators.
All patients who come to the Stem Cell Institute for treatment are invited to attend a guided tour of our laboratory facilities. This tour is conducted each week by the Laboratory Manager.
At the Stem Cell Institute, stem cells are implanted four ways:
Intrathecal (lumbar puncture) – Intrathecal administration is ideal for neurological conditions because the stem cells are injected directly into the spinal fluid past the blood-brain barrier. This enables them to reach the spinal cord and brain. Lumbar punctures are performed by an experienced anesthesiologist under local anesthesia. Lumbar puncture usually takes about 30 minutes.
Intravenous (IV) – The safest and simplest method for delivering the stem cell throughout the body. Anesthesia is not required but light anesthesia can be administered if necessary.
IV administration usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.
Intra-articular (into the joint) – The stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint. This method is commonly used for arthritis. Intra-articular implantation is quite safe and does not require anesthesia. However, light anesthesia can be administered if necessary.
Intramuscular – The stem cells are injected directly into the muscle. Intramuscular implantation is very safe and does not require anesthesia.
All treatments are performed by Medical Doctors.
More treatment information…
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 treatment will not be effective.
Additionally, it takes 5 five days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no patient receives an infected sample, at least 5 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the patient.
Yes! Because HUCB stem cells are less mature than other cells, the body’s immune system is unable to recognize them as foreign and therefore they are not rejected. We’ve treated hundreds of patients with HUCB stem cells and there has never been a single instance rejection (graft vs. host disease).
Treatment protocols vary by disease. Each patient’s physical condition and other medical factors also play roles. Most protocols last for 1-4 weeks and consist of 3-6 sessions. Typical treatment protocols can be viewed on these pages:
The doctors will not prescribe any medication as a part of your treatment. However, they do advise a circulating stem cell enhancing supplement regime following treatment.
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 treatment.
Each treatment and patient is unique, and there is no guarantee of what results will be seen or how quickly they may be observed. Some patients have commented on changes during the course of their treatment, others have seen more upon returning home.
To get a better idea about how some patients have improved, please visit our Patient Experiences page.
Generally speaking, aside from the initial pain at the injection site, the patient will not experience any discomfort. Less than 10% of (mostly lumbar puncture) patients 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.
Treatment cost depends on the type of treatment required and will be discussed with you following patient application and diagnosis. The cost of treatment includes the treatment itself, medical examinations and tests, airport pick-up and transport between your hotel and the clinic.
Most insurance companies do not cover adult stem cell therapy.
Yes. According each patient’s needs, physical therapy will be recommended by our medical team and provided during the course of treatment.
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…
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.
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 treatment options.
Once approved, a patient is scheduled for the earliest available appointment that is convenient for him or her.
This entire process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from initial contact to appointment scheduling.
To start your evaluation, please complete our online Patient Application.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us today!
