Autoimmune diseases are a significant health concern in India, affecting millions of people. These conditions arise when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. According to recent statistics, over 10% of the Indian population suffers from various autoimmune diseases, with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis being among the most common.
The rising prevalence of these diseases has prompted extensive research into novel treatment approaches, including stem cells. This article delves into the potential of stem cells for autoimmune diseases, examines FDA approval status, and explores the latest advancements and challenges in this promising field.
Types of Autoimmune Diseases Targeted for Stem Cell Therapy
It shows promise in treating autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and more. The effectiveness may vary depending on the disease and the patient's condition.
It works in the following ways:
- Suppressing immune response and decreasing joint pain—rheumatoid arthritis
- Halting the immune response—Lupus
- Resetting immune system (MS)
- Regenerating damaged cells - Type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease
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How Do Stem Cells for Autoimmune Diseases Work?
Stem cells offer a fresh, hopeful approach to autoimmune diseases.
But how do they work?
Stem cell transplant for autoimmune diseases involves replacing the patient's immune system with healthy stem cells, which can rebuild the immune system without the faulty mechanisms that cause autoimmune reactions.
Types of Stem Cell Transplants
- Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: After immunosuppressive therapy, the patient's own stem cells are harvested, treated, and reintroduced into the body.
- Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cells are sourced from a compatible donor and transplanted into the patient. This approach can offer a new immune system with no autoimmune tendencies.
Process of Stem Cell Transplantation
- Pre-transplant Evaluation: Comprehensive assessments to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Stem Cell Harvesting: Collection of stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood.
- Conditioning Regimen: High-dose chemotherapy or radiation to suppress the immune system and eliminate autoimmune cells.
- Stem Cell Infusion: Plant harvested stem cells into the patient's bloodstream.
- Post-transplant Care: Close monitoring for complications, such as infections or graft-versus-host disease, and supportive care to promote recovery.
Is stem cell therapy FDA Approved for autoimmune diseases?
As of now, the FDA has approved a limited number of stem cell treatments, primarily for haematological conditions like leukaemia and lymphoma. Stem cell therapies are still largely experimental and conducted under clinical trials for autoimmune diseases. The FDA emphasizes the need for more robust clinical evidence before granting widespread approval for stem cell treatments targeting autoimmune diseases.
Ongoing Clinical Trials
Several clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases and inflammation. These trials are crucial for establishing standardized protocols, identifying potential risks, and determining long-term benefits. Research backs its use in conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Notably, rheumatoid arthritis patients have a 94% survival rate over 5 years with stem cell therapy, highlighting its safety.
Patients can access stem cell treatments through specialized clinics and medical facilities. They should consult with specialists and conduct a detailed study of the facilities. This will help individuals find suitable options for their specific autoimmune disease.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost for Autoimmune Disease?
The cost of a stem cell transplant varies depending on several factors, including the type of transplant (using either the patient's own cells or donor cells), the medical center providing the treatment, and the facility's location.
In India, stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases can range from USD 8,000 to USD 12,000. In countries like the US, it significantly ranges from $25,000.
Please note that costs also depend on the specific autoimmune disease.
For a better understanding of the cost of specific conditions, request a free consultation today.
Advantages of Stem Cells for Autoimmune Diseases
Stem cell therapy offers various advantages:
- potential to target the root causes of autoimmune diseases
- reduce inflammation
- promote long-term remission.
- regeneration and repair
- patients own cells are well tolerated and have a lower risk of rejection
- provide relief from symptoms
- tackle underlying disease processes for the long-term benefit
- Alternative to ongoing medication and traditional treatments.
Advantages of Stem Cells for Autoimmune Diseases Over Traditional Treatments
Traditional treatments focus only on symptom management. But stem cell therapy may offer advantages like:
- immune system reset
- reduced reliance on immunosuppressive drugs
- potential long-term benefits
- underlying disease process modified
- targeted therapy
Who is eligible for stem cells for autoimmune diseases?
Eligibility for stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases typically includes:
- Confirmed Diagnosis: A definitive diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is paramount.
- Severity of Disease: Patients with severe, rapidly progressing disease or those not responding to standard treatments may be considered.
- Overall Health: Patients should be stable otherwise, without significant heart, lung, or kidney disease.
- Age Factor: With no strict age limit, younger patients might have fewer complications.
- Informed Consent: Understanding the potential risks and benefits is crucial.
- Prior Treatments: Those who've tried and not benefited from conventional therapies may be eligible.
However, individual criteria can vary, and medical professionals make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Stem Cells for Autoimmune Diseases: Understand the Procedure, Before & After
Before the procedure:
- Patient Evaluation: Your medical history, type, and severity of the autoimmune condition were checked. Also, previous treatments and any underlying health issues were checked. This will help determine your suitability.
- Informed Consent: Detailed information about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This is for getting consent.
- Donor Selection: The source is either autologous (patient's own cells) or allogenic (donor-derived). Appropriate stem cell sources were selected and prepared. Donor matching may be required for allogenic stem cells.
- Preparation and Mobilization: In autologous stem cells, the patient undergoes mobilization. Here, medications stimulate the release of stem cells from the bone marrow, which then go into the bloodstream.
- Harvesting Stem Cells: Collect stem cells from various sources. They are bone marrow, peripheral blood, or adipose tissue. The choice of source depends on the specific condition and the medical team's expertise.
During the Procedure:
- Stem Cell Transplantation: The steps followed depend on the source of stem cells. After isolation, cells are prepared for transplantation.
- Conditioning Therapy: This suppresses the overactive immune system. It creates space for the new stem cells to engraft and rebuild the immune system.
- Transplantation: Infusion of stem cells into your bloodstream. Once in the body, they migrate to the bone marrow. Here, they differentiate into various blood cells, including immune cells. This process may take several weeks to months.
After the Procedure:
- Recovery and Monitoring: Monitoring for complications. Like infections, graft-versus-host disease (in allogeneic transplants), and other side effects. Regular blood tests and medical evaluations are required to assess success.
- Immune System Rebuilding: As the stem cells differentiate and rebuild the immune system, this helps to normalize the patient's immune response.
- Long-term Follow-up: Monitoring for an extended period. To ensure the continued success of stem cell therapy. Adjustments to medications and treatments as necessary.
- Potential Lifestyle Changes: This is necessary to support your newly rebuilt immune system. They include a healthy diet and regular exercise. Also, avoid known triggers of their autoimmune condition.
What to Expect After Stem Cells for Autoimmune Diseases
Patients can expect various outcomes. These include:
- Initial Recovery: Just like after a significant medical procedure, you might feel tired or weak. This is normal; your body needs this time to heal and adjust.
- Monitoring: Regular check-ups are essential. Your doctor will want to see how your body responds and if the stem cells do their job.
- Possible Side Effects: Some people might experience infections, fevers, or rashes. It's crucial to inform your doctor about any unusual symptoms.
- Gradual Improvement: Many patients notice a reduced autoimmune disease symptoms over time. However, results can vary from person to person.
Side Effects of Autoimmune Disease Stem Cell Therapy
Possible side effects of stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases include
- Infection
- Adverse reactions to medications
- Graft-versus-host disease
For allogenic transplant patients, GVHD is a serious concern. The transplanted cells may attack the patient's body. Its signs include:
- Skin rashes or changes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- excessive dryness or pain in the mouth
- joint pain
- eye dryness
- some severe side effects like complications in getting pregnant.
Be aware of these risks and discuss them with your doctor.
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References:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2023-05-06-autoimmune-disorders-found-affect-around-one-ten-people
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0952791522001133
