Advanced Treatments and the Way Forward: Stem Cell Therapy and Immunotherapy
In modern times, as medical science continues to advance and make strides in innovative methods of treating various diseases, Stem Cell Therapy and Immunotherapy have emerged as highly effective and cutting-edge forms of contemporary medicine. With their immense potential to treat serious ailments such as cancer and spinal cord injuries, these therapies have become a ray of hope for many patients.
However, it is essential to consider that these advanced treatments also come with a list of potential risks and complications. These risks and complications must be taken into account, assessed, and then weighed against the patient’s medical condition to determine suitability. This is the right approach to make use of effective medicines by minimizing risks.
This blog focuses on discussing the potential side effects of these advanced therapies, including stem cell therapy and immunotherapy. The focus is about the treatments and trials taking place in the capital city of India, New Delhi, and the NCR (Near Capital Region). The reason for selecting these geographical areas is the availability of state-of-the-art medical facilities, where advanced medical research and therapy trials are underway.
Key Things You Need to Know About Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy uses undifferentiated cells from the human body, known as stem cells, which can further develop into different types of body cells. These cells are capable of repairing damage, helping to grow healthy cells in the human body, and contributing to the treatment of serious diseases. The therapy has shown effective results, but it is still under trial and needs more evidence to verify itself as a full-fledged treatment. Therefore, at present, if someone needs to opt for this treatment, they must choose from clinical trial options or signed-off treatments for limited types of therapies. It is recommended to undergo treatment at clinics and research centres that follow the norms and guidelines issued by medical authorities. So far, stem cell therapy is proving to be a successful alternative medicine method for treating serious ailments such as chronic spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and other serious illnesses such as parkinson disease.
Key Risks and Complications Associated with Stem Cell Therapy
With the potential to change patients’ lives for the better, the treatment comes with its own set of limitations, complications, and risks.
Based on a meta-analysis of clinical trials, where patients with severe spinal cord injuries were treated using stem cell therapy, the prevalence of adverse events was approximately 19%, with urinary tract infections. They also experienced various localized issues as a common side effect.
There were other studies and discussions related to the same topic. UConn Health covered many such studies, which revealed that 25% of neurologists reported that their patients who underwent stem cell therapy suffered complications, including stroke, spinal tumours, seizures, and more.
These examples demonstrate an immense and urgent need for trials, research, and assessment of the potential risks associated with stem cell therapy. Based on a survey, 73% of neurologists highlighted the importance of having better educational tools to understand the risks, assess complications, and communicate them more effectively.
Case Study Examples:
There is a serious condition associated with stem cell therapy treatment, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where the new stem cells start attacking the host’s body. This issue is most commonly faced during the stem cell transplant process. To ensure that this harmful side effect is minimised and more potent solutions are discovered, there is a need to adhere to the guidelines set by medical authorities and conduct fair trials with the intent of finding the right solutions.
An example case study in this regard is where a 48-year-old male received treatment related to stem cell therapy, which was unapproved. As a result, he developed disseminated cutaneous ulcers, hepatitis, and cardiomyopathy. These issues eventually led to multi-organ failure and the death of the patient. This highlights the urgent need to conduct responsible trials in approved areas and follow established guidelines and advice.
The focus should be on increasing the positive impact of stem cell therapy and minimizing its risks. This can only be achieved by conducting responsible clinical trials and effective research. With this approach, the maximum potential of the treatment can be realised, and a better future for healthcare can be expected.
Key Things You Need to Know About Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an advanced form of treatment for cancer, where the immune system of the human body is trained to fight cancerous cells. This therapy differs from chemotherapy and radiation, as these methods target cancer cells directly. In contrast, immunotherapy focuses on boosting and activating the human body’s immune system to identify and specifically attack cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other types of treatments. Some of the leading hospitals in the capital city of India and the NCR, which are pioneering the implementation of immunotherapy for treating various types of cancer, including lung cancer and breast cancer, are AIIMS, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, and Medanta – The Medicity.
Key Risks and Complications Associated with Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment and has been creating buzz for its ability to challenge the stubborn ailment of cancer. However, it has its own set of risks and challenges, which need to be addressed in the right way. Some patients suffering from cancer, undergoing immunotherapy, may experience an overreaction of the immune system. As a side effect, the patient may experience fatigue, fever, nausea, and rashes etc.
In some of the highly serious cases depicting risks, the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells in human body and leads to inflammation in the lungs, causing liver problems and triggering several autoimmune conditions. There have been various studies, which have highlighted that immune system related issues also include pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis, which emerge as side-effects of immunotherapy.
The Way Forward
In the Delhi NCR region, leading hospitals conducting trials and treatments through immunotherapy are equipped with advanced technology and implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies. The research happening in these advanced care hospitals focuses on the scope and efficacy of immunotherapy. The trials combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, and other types of therapies to treat various types of cancers.
According to experts, a promising approach to immunotherapy is to opt for personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s body type, ailment, and various other medical factors. Understanding the case and implementing treatments effectively leads to positive results and a reduced likelihood of side effects.
Conclusion
To conclude, both Stem Cell Therapy and Immunotherapy have a promising future, and their potential as an excellent alternative treatment for serious diseases is high. However, it is worth noting that they come with their own set of complications and risks. They have the potential to treat severe ailments such as cancer, spinal cord injuries, and autoimmune conditions. Still, it is essential to conduct extensive research on them and conduct systematic clinical trials. This will help in improving the quality of the therapy and minimizing risks. To make informed decisions based on research and trials is the best way forward. New Delhi and its nearby capital Regions have advanced hospitals that conduct clinical trials, research, and implement treatment methods to offer excellent medical services to patients suffering from various serious ailments.