Lately it seems like more and more stem cell treatment “clinics” are opening up. Many claim to offer treatments that can cure a long list of injuries and diseases. But how do you know if these claims are true and supported by science? This page will help you learn about stem cell therapy clinics and how to spot “red flags.”
What is a stem cell treatment “clinic”?
Stem cell treatment “clinics” tend to claim treatment as a “cure-all” for many conditions and diseases. They offer patients stem cell therapies that may not have been researched enough to prove that they are safe and effective in treating diseases. In fact, some of these treatments may even be illegal and harmful to you.
All stem cells are not created equal
In the U.S., the only stem cell therapies that are FDA approved use stem cells from blood and bone marrow to treat:
What is a stem cell treatment “clinic”?
Stem cell treatment “clinics” tend to claim treatment as a “cure-all” for many conditions and diseases. They offer patients stem cell therapies that may not have been researched enough to prove that they are safe and effective in treating diseases. In fact, some of these treatments may even be illegal and harmful to you.
All stem cells are not created equal
In the U.S., the only stem cell therapies that are FDA approved use stem cells from blood and bone marrow to treat:
- Certain types of cancer like leukemia
- Blood and immune system disorders like sickle cell disease or severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Certain metabolic disorders like adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
Beware of “red flags”
It can be hard to tell if a stem cell treatment clinic is safe and trustworthy. Ads about treatments can look impressive and the testimonials can be convincing. Here are some possible “red flags” to look for in a stem cell clinic:
- The stem cell clinic treatments are not:
- FDA approved.
- Covered by health insurance.
- Backed by careful study and scientific data.
- The benefits of treatment are only supported by patient testimonials.
- The clinic does not share where they get the stem cells.
- You are not asked to read and sign a consent explaining the benefits and risks of the therapy.
Talk with your doctor
Before you consider having a stem cell treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor. Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask:
- Is this therapy FDA approved?
- Is there research that shows the therapy is safe and effective?
- What type of cells will be used for this treatment and where do they come from?
- Does insurance cover the cost? If not, why?
- If the treatment is part of a clinical trial, is it registered with the FDA and listed on clinicaltrials.gov?
Contact us
While promising progress is being made in the study of stem cell therapy, some stem cell clinics offer treatments that are unsafe and possibly illegal. Contact us or ask your doctor for help deciding whether a stem cell treatment is trustworthy or not.
- Call: 1 (888) 814-8610
- Email: contact@ctsearchsupport.org