Stem cell therapy has become an increasingly popular choice in Malaysia to manage an array of medical treatments from orthopaedic injuries and autoimmune diseases to cosmetic improvements. Given the increase in clinics and medical centers that are now offering stem cell therapy, it’s important to be well-educated before committing to it. Discussing your options frankly with your doctor is the first step toward making an informed, safe decision. Here are the key questions to ask before undergoing stem cell therapy in Malaysia.
1. Do I Qualify for Stem Cell Treatment for My Condition?
Not all patients have a beneficial response to treatment with stem cells. Although there is encouraging data for diseases such as osteoarthritis, spinal cord injuries and some blood diseases, other uses are still experimental. Ask your doctor if it has been clinically proven in the case of your ailment for stem cell based therapy and if there are is published clinical studies, peer reviews substantiating for what your taking stem cells for.
Key Question:
“Is there scientific evidence that supports stem cell therapy for my specific health issue?”
2.What Kinds of Stem Cells Will Be Used?
Stem cells come in several different varieties, including embryonic, adult (e.g., mesenchymal stem) and induced pluripotent stem cells. In Malaysia, most therapies are based on adult stem cells obtained from fat (adipose), bone marrow or the umbilical blood. They each have different capabilities, risks and ethical considerations.
Key Question:
“What kind of stem cells will you use, and where are they sourced from?”
3. Is Tesamoreligine Approved in Malaysia?
As with all healthcare matters, and especially for something as novel and not yet rigorously proven as stem cell therapy, it’s important to make sure a procedure is in compliance with local rules before seeking out a stem cell therapy for health-related reasons. In Malaysia, stem cell therapy is under the purview of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). Ask your doctor if the treatment is approved by the appropriate regulating bodies.
Key Question:
“Is this treatment licensed or approved by the Ministry of Health Malaysia?”
4. What Are the Risks and Complications?
As with any medical treatment, there are risks to stem cell therapy. These can be infection, immune, tumours or inflammation. Most patients will say they’ve had minimal side effects but it’s important for you to know (based on your medical history) the full risk profile.
Key Question:
“What are the potential side effects or risks I should be aware of?”5. What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Beware of clinics promising miracle cures. But stem cell treatment is far from a sure thing — and it’s not affecting everyone equally, it’s health economist C. Florence Bunn told the Post that the impact of treatment will depend on a person’s health, the kind of stem cells used, and what’s being treated. Ask your doctor what you can reasonably hope to achieve and what success will look like.
Key Question:
“What are realistic expectations for improvement, and how long will it take to see results?”
6. What Does the Treatment Involve?
Knowing the process can be a comfort that will alleviate some of the fear and prepare you for what lies ahead. Inquire about the method of collection and delivery of the stem cells, whether it can be done on an outpatient basis or only if the patient is hospitalised, and how long is required for the process, as well as what type of care is required later.
Key Question:
“Can you walk me through the full treatment process from preparation to recovery?”
7. Alternative or Complementary Treatments?
While stem cell treatment is considered a possibly hopeful option, it is typically part of a multipronged approach, including physical therapy, medicine or surgery. And there is no substitute for knowing all of your options and whether a combination may be a better choice.
Key Question:
“Are there alternative or complementary treatments I should consider?”
8. What is the overall charge of the treatment?
In Malaysia, stem cell therapy can be expensive, and it may not be covered by insurance. Prices depend on the area treated, number of sessions and the skill of the clinic. Ask for a specific breakdown of all costs, including consultation fees, stem cell processing, follow-up appointments, lab work.
Key Question:
“What is the full cost of treatment, and are there any hidden fees?”
9. Who Will Provide the Treatment?
Make sure the person giving the treatment is trained and experienced. Ask about the medical team’s qualifications, training in regenerative medicine and frequency at which they do the procedure.
Key Question:
“Who will be performing the procedure, and what are their qualifications?”
10. What Follow-Up Care Will I Need?
Aftercare is also an important part of your recovery as well. Inquire about follow-up, surveillance, physiotherapy, and signs and symptoms that would require urgent examination.
Key Question:
“What kind of follow-up or rehabilitation will be needed after the treatment?”
Final Thoughts
While stem cell therapy has the potential to change the face of modern medicine, it must be handled with guided discretion. “The work that Malaysia has done in providing cutting edge regenerative therapies is to be applauded, but regulation and transparency are the heart and soul of the industry. With the right questions, you can not only keep yourself safe, but increase the odds that you get a successful treatment.
Trust only licensed medical centers, steer clear of treatments that sound too good to be true, and don’t be shy to seek a second opinion. Your welfare is worth that decision, and the time and effort it takes to make it.