Stem cells are cells which have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialised function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. All stem cells - regardless of their source - have three general properties: they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; they are unspecialised; and they can give rise to specialised cell types. [1]

The notion that bone marrow contains stem cells is not new. In fact, it is known to contain the richest population of stem cells of any location in the human body. Bone marrow derived stem cells are multipotent. This means they have the ability to develop into more than one cell type in the body.

The two major types of adult stem cells in the bone marrow are: hematopoietic stem cells which form blood and immune cells and stromal (mesenchymal) stem cells that normally form bone, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue and fat. Endothelial progenitor cells, which have been found to generate new blood vessels and differentiate into endothelial cells, have also been identified as originating from the bone marrow. [2][3]

Autologous (the patients own) bone marrow derived stem cell therapy has proven to be a safe and effective clinical application for certain end-stage diseases. Concentrated bone marrow stem cells and the growth factors within this concentrate can contribute significantly to tissue regeneration and to restoring blood flow to diseased limbs and organs.

In the case of certain end-stage vascular diseases, angiogenesis and ultimately limb salvage have shown to be attainable. With certain cardiovascular diseases (also end-stage), improvements in ejection fraction and overall cardiac function have been recorded. In orthopedics, autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy has been shown to achieve bone healing in non-union bone fractures. Supporting documentation and published material is available to all physicians and patients on request.

The Apollo Bramwell physicians, in collaboration with leading university hospitals in Germany and France, use the latest FDA and EC registered point of care medical devices for the separation of autologous bone marrow concentrate rich in mononuclear cells. All treatments and protocols have been reviewed and approved by the Apollo Bramwell Hospitals Medical Review Board.

For patients wishing to apply for stem cell therapy now, please fill in our Patient Application Form

References - Stem Cell Therapy [1] - [3]