Understanding Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine
Stem cells are one of the most studied areas of regenerative medicine. Learn how stem cells work, where they come from, what researchers are investigating, and why the type of cell product and its regulatory status matter.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells with the ability to self-renew and, depending on the type, develop into more specialized cell types. Because of these properties, stem cells are an important area of research in regenerative medicine, tissue biology, blood disorders, immune function and many other fields of medicine.
Self-Renewal
Stem cells can produce additional stem cells, allowing certain populations to maintain themselves over time.
Differentiation
Some stem cells can develop into specialized cells under specific biological conditions.
Regenerative Research
Scientists are studying how cells and cellular signals may influence tissue repair, inflammation and other biological processes.
What Are Umbilical Cord-Derived Cells?
Umbilical cord tissue and umbilical cord blood are biologically different materials. Cord blood can contain blood-forming hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, while cord tissue contains other cell types and extracellular components.
The exact composition, processing method and intended clinical use of a product matter. Products described broadly as “umbilical cord stem cells,” “Wharton’s jelly,” or “cord-derived regenerative products” are not interchangeable.
Call to Ask QuestionsPotential Areas of Regenerative Medicine Research
Stem-cell and cell-based research is broad. Researchers are investigating how different cell types, growth factors and biological signaling pathways may contribute to repair and regeneration. Research interest does not mean that a treatment has been proven effective or FDA-approved for a particular condition.
Tissue Biology & Repair
Researchers study how cells communicate during tissue repair and how cellular environments influence healing processes.
Inflammatory Signaling
Regenerative medicine research includes investigation into how cells and their signaling molecules interact with inflammatory pathways.
Blood & Immune Disorders
Blood-forming stem cells have established medical roles in specific transplantation settings involving disorders of the hematopoietic system.
Musculoskeletal Research
Scientists continue to study cell-based approaches for joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other musculoskeletal tissues. These research areas should not be confused with FDA-approved treatment indications.
Are Stem Cell Therapies FDA-Approved?
Some stem-cell products are FDA-approved for specific medical uses, but most products promoted broadly as regenerative or orthopedic “stem cell treatments” are not FDA-approved for those purposes.
Approved Cord-Blood Applications
FDA-approved stem-cell products in the United States include blood-forming hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from umbilical cord blood for specific transplantation uses involving disorders of the blood-forming system.
Other Regenerative Uses
Umbilical cord blood, cord tissue, Wharton’s jelly and other regenerative products marketed for orthopedic, neurological, chronic pain or general wellness uses may be investigational or require FDA approval or oversight before clinical use.
Stem Cell Therapy FAQ
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a broad term describing medical or investigational uses of stem or progenitor cells. Different therapies may involve different cell sources, processing methods, delivery methods and regulatory requirements.
Are umbilical cord stem cells the same as cord blood?
No. Umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue are different biological materials. Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells used in certain transplantation settings. Cord tissue and products derived from Wharton’s jelly are different and have different regulatory considerations.
Can stem cells regenerate cartilage or heal an injury?
These are active areas of research, but a biological mechanism or promising laboratory study does not establish that a specific commercial product can regenerate cartilage, repair an injury or treat pain in humans. Patients should review the evidence and regulatory status of the exact product being considered.
What questions should I ask before considering a regenerative product?
Ask what the product contains, where it comes from, how it is processed, whether it is FDA-approved for the proposed use, whether an IND or other FDA authorization applies, what evidence supports the proposed use, and what risks or alternatives should be considered.
Can I call Orlando City Health & Wellness to learn more?
Yes. Call our office to discuss regenerative medicine, ask questions and learn more about available evaluation and consultation options.
Call Orlando City Health & Wellness to Learn More.
Stem-cell and regenerative-medicine terminology can be confusing. We can help you understand the concepts, discuss your goals and explain the questions you should ask when evaluating regenerative therapies.
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