Stem cells (SCs) are effective even for the most aggressive types of neoplasms when sociopathology cannot be treated using other methods. Stem cells can be successfully used to treat leukemia, myeloma, lymphoma, testicular cancer, sarcoma, some gliomas, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor. The list of indications is constantly expanding. Doctors in Germany successfully perform both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantations. You can undergo your stem cell cancer treatment in Germany and get good results with minimal risk of side effects.
How do stem cells work?
Depending on whether the patient’s bone marrow is damaged, doctors may perform an allogeneic or autologous transplant. If there are signs of a tumor process in the bone marrow, it is best to choose a donor transplant because there will be cancer cells in the patient’s own stem cells.
The principle of operation of an autologous transplant procedure is as follows:
- A patient is prescribed high-dose chemotherapy. Physicians use higher doses of drugs than usual, as a result of which all tumor cells die. The possibility of using high dosages appears due to the fact that doctors no longer need to avoid damaging the bone marrow because it will be restored by means of regenerative medicine.
- Physicians restore the patient’s bone marrow by performing a stem cell transplant. During the procedure, stem cells are administered intravenously. If these are the patient’s own cells, then they are collected from the patient in advance (before the start of chemotherapy) and stored frozen. If donor cells are used, they are harvested from the donor shortly before transplantation.
Thus, autologous (the patient’s own) stem cells by themselves do not cure cancer. At least they do not destroy the tumor directly. Regenerative medicine for cancer can only restore the bone marrow destroyed by aggressive chemotherapy.
If allogeneic cells are used, they form a new immunity. As it is updated, it becomes more aggressive against the tumor and actively attacks cancer cells. This reaction is called the “graft-versus-tumor effect”. This stem cell therapy for cancer not only restores the bone marrow but also works as immune therapy. An allogeneic bone marrow transplant is more effective in managing cancer even if the bone marrow is involved, but this type of treatment is also more risky, and it can be difficult to find a compatible donor.
When can stem cells be used?
Basically, stem cells can be used for various types of blood cancer, some childhood tumors, and germ cell tumors. Stem cells can also be used for tumors of the central nervous system.
A stem cell transplant is usually not the first treatment option for a patient. This technique is used for the most severe cases, such as:
- An aggressive tumor
- A poor response to standard treatment
- An early relapse following successful treatment
A patient must be in good enough condition to endure aggressive chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation therapy, to receive cell-based therapy. In addition, after conditioning (the first stage of treatment, in which the patient’s own bone marrow will be destroyed), the hematopoietic function will be disrupted, and the person will actually not have full-fledged immunity.
The younger the patient, the more successful the procedure. Therefore, it is primarily prescribed to children, quite often used in young patients, but very rarely used in middle-aged people, and practically not prescribed to elderly patients.
Side effects
The most common side effects of cancer treatment with stem cells are the following:
- A sore throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased risk of infections
- Bleeding due to low platelet levels
A patient may also have complications. These are usually minor complications. In developed countries, the risk of complications is lower, and most stem cell transplant procedures are completed successfully. Here are the main risks:
- Interstitial pneumonitis
- Graft-versus-host disease, which is an attack of renewed immunity on the patient’s own organs
- Hepatic veno-occlusive disease, which occurs predominantly in elderly patients with liver conditions
- Graft rejection may occur in the case of poor compatibility with the donor or if too few stem cells were transplanted
Where to undergo your stem cell therapy for cancer?
You are welcome to visit the Booking Health website for the best stem cell therapy in Germany. On our website, you can find the best stem cell clinics, see prices, and choose the most suitable center and program at an affordable cost. When you make your treatment appointment through Booking Health, you will save 40-70%. Stem cell therapy cost will be lower due to the absence of additional taxes for foreign patients.
Our company’s specialists will take care of all the arrangements for your trip to Germany. We will select the most suitable hospital, make an appointment for your preferred dates, buy airline tickets, and book a hotel room. Our company’s employees will meet you at the airport and take you to the medical center by car. After the completion of your treatment, we will organize your return transfer. You will receive support and assistance in solving any organizational issues during the entire period of your stay in Germany.