Will stem cell therapy improve my condition?
While adult stem cell therapy cannot provide a cure for any condition, many patients with degenerative and developmental ailments and their relatives feel unequivocally that treatment with stem cells have significantly improved their quality of life.
For example, adult stem cell therapy will not remove the genetic presence of a neurodegenerative disease but it may reverse the symptomatic slide a patient faces thus improving a patient’s quality of life and potentially improving his or her chances for the longer-term.
It’s important to note that many doctors, patients, and scientists generally believe that the earlier a patient has stem cell treatment, the better the impact on the patient’s quality of life. Why is there so much disagreement about the
Why is there so much disagreement about the effectiveness of stem cell therapies?
Beike’s technology has been used in more than 60,000 stem cell treatments since 2001. Despite the fact that umbilical cord stem cells have been used in the treatments of over 70 conditions for more than 20 years in the West, many people still consider these therapies to be ‘new.’ As with any ‘new’ treatments modality, a broad range of stakeholders in the medical community have sought to define stem cell therapies in a manner consistent with their viewpoint and ideology, and, in some cases, to their commercial advantage. Furthermore, some bioethicists have taken issue with embryonic stem cell research and therapies.
Beike Biotechnology, however, does not use embryonic stem cells in any of its therapies. And Beike boasts an impeccable safety record and enjoys the support of various branches of the Chinese government, leading Chinese universities, and hospitals.
Can the patient’s own cryo-preserved cord blood or a relative’s be used for treatment?
As blood products are highly regulated in most countries including China, it is not possible for patients to import their own cord blood from other countries into China or most any country. Beike Biotech is only allowed to use umbilical cord stem cells from specific hospitals within China.
The stem cells are tested multiple times throughout their expansion process by both blood banks and Beike’s own private laboratories for safety. It is important to note that while we believe using one’s own cord blood stem cells may result in dramatic improvements, our experience utilizing relatives’ cord blood for treatments of Chinese patients has not shown there is an added benefit over using donor cells. Most importantly, one cord blood sample can only make a single packet and our treatment protocols call for multiple packets. Our goal is to eventually allow families to use their preserved cord blood stem cells in the future.
What type of patient will not be accepted for treatment in Beike’s partner hospitals?
Beike will not provide stem cells for any patients whose well-being could deteriorate due to international travel, patients on a ventilator full-time, or any patient our medical department feels will not have a chance to benefit from the treatment. We will not provide stem cell treatment if we feel that there is potential for any short- or long-term harm to the patient.
Currently, Beike will not provide stem cells for patients with cancer or a high risk of cancer. We will also not provide stem cells for pregnant women. We ask these women to wait until their condition has stabilized after giving birth to start the treatment.
Does umbilical cord blood or umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy cause cancer?
It is important to note that there is generally no concern by informed or unbiased scientists about cord blood or cord mesenchymal stem cells. (unlike embryonic or fetal stem cells) causing cancer or tumors.
None of the 22,000+ patients that have been treated with Beike’s stem cells have developed cancer due to the treatments. In actuality, researchers are currently finding ways to use umbilical cord and adult stem cell derived ‘killer cells’ to attack tumors and treat cancer patients.
Why must I travel to receive stem cell therapy?
Beike has been a pioneer in adult stem cell treatments for the last decade. The hospitals and medical staff working with Beike are highly experienced in handling stem cells and monitoring patients’ treatments. Furthermore, patients looking for a complete treatment package in terms of hospital quality, rehabilitation, and cost of stem cells are able to get the best value for the cost at a Beike affiliated center.
Why would Beike want a caregiver to stay with me during my treatment?
Staying several weeks in a foreign hospital can be a taxing endeavor. We believe that bringing a family member, friend, or caregiver will make the transition easier and also provide support for you in many ways that our translation and medical staff may not be able to. If you absolutely cannot bring someone with you, our local patient coordinators can help find a caregiver in the local community.
These caregivers are very affordable and can stay with you for six-, twelve, or even 24-hour periods throughout your stay. Please speak with your patient representative if you are unable to bring a caregiver with you.
Why do Beike treatment protocols include supportive therapies for most ailments?
During a typical stem cell treatment cycle, most patients receive daily rounds of rehabilitation therapies, or ‘Functional Medicine.’ These include physiotherapy, aquatherapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, nerve growth factor injections, and nutrition therapy.
Beike’s scientists and medical partners believe these therapies work to help activate stem cells throughout the body. Just as a steroid user cannot greatly increase muscle mass without working out, stem cells work best when the body is active.
These therapies can help provide a high level of activity for your body and put you in the best possible position to see benefits. Patients with eye disorders may only receive a rehabilitation program composed of acupuncture if vision is the only affected area.
What else can I do to get the most out of my stem cell therapy?
It is important that you arrive for treatment as healthy as possible and that you avoid fevers, colds, infections, and injuries. Stem cells naturally migrate to the injured or sick areas of the body and any secondary infections can lead to a decreased quantity of stem cells available to relieve your primary neurological or vascular condition.
There are some simple steps you can follow both during and after your treatment with stem cells to protect and nurture new cells.
These include avoiding sugar-rich foods, tobacco and alcohol products for six months, eating neuron-protective foods that are high in omega-3 utilizing supplements such as folic acid and turmeric extract, avoiding and minimizing stress, and maintaining a moderate (but not extreme) exercise program. In combination, these steps can help protect and provide a healthy environment for newly developed cells.
What is included in the cost of Stem cell therapy?
The cost of stem cell therapy includes a standard patient room (with an extra bed for your accompanying caregiver), stem cell injections and necessary medical treatment resulting from these injections, rehabilitation as prescribed by the center’s rehabilitation specialist, and transportation from the local airport to the hospital upon arrival.