Allogenic Stem Cell Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis in India
AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) is an inflammatory disease that can cause some or all of the bones in the spine to fuse together. This illness can render everyday movements arduous and excruciating, and in the case of many with AS, well-meaning treatments have failed to find lasting success. Although existing therapies, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologics, and physical therapy, provide symptomatic relief by dampening the inflammatory process, they do not target the underlying etiology of the disease. This is where Stem Cell Therapy presents a new approach.
What Is Autologous Stem Cell Therapy?
Autologous Stem Cell Therapy uses the patient’s own stem cells to help them heal and restore. In ankylosing spondylitis, this type of therapy aims to reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and possibly slow the course of the disease. Autologous means the use of the patient’s own cells, which reduces chances of complications, like immune rejection (this is what can happen with allogenic stem cell therapy if the stem cells are from a donor).
Why Consider Stem Cell Therapy for AS?
Ankylosing spondylitis causes debilitating pain, rigidity, and joint damage, especially in the spine and sacroiliac joints. Conventional treatments can help relieve symptoms but do not slow or reverse the destruction caused by the disease. In contrast, Stem Cell Therapy targets the cellular level to tackle the underlying inflammation and injury that AS manifests.
Employing stem cells, the therapy seeks to:
- Reduce inflammation in the affected areas.
- Regenerate damaged tissue, including cartilage and bone.
- Slow or halt the progression of joint fusion, one of the most debilitating aspects of AS.
How Does Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Work for AS?
The therapy works through several mechanisms, each targeting a different aspect of the disease:
1. Immune Modulation
AS is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation. The most studied cell type related to the critical tissue repair properties of stem cells is MSCs, which, reacting to pro-inflammatory stimuli, are discharged from their niches, inducing immunomodulation to suppress the overactive immune response and preventing further destruction of tissues.
2. Cartilage and Bone Regeneration
In Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), inflammation causes damage in the cartilage and excessive development of bone, adding to stiffness and pain. Stem Cell Therapy can differentiate into specialized cells, such as chondrocytes and osteoblasts, to regenerate these tissues. They are capable of becoming cartilage or bone cells, filling in the gaps of the damage done by the disease and even lessening the development of bone spurs.
3. Reduction of Inflammation
Stem Cell Therapy secretes anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which play a key role in controlling chronic inflammation, the major contributor to pain and stiffness affecting AS patients.
4. Tissue Repair and Healing
Autologous Stem Cell Therapy may also be capable of restoring function to joints affected by AS by differentiating into chondrocytes (cartilage-forming cells) or osteoblasts (bone-forming cells). They may also slow the development of joint fusion, which is commonly associated with severe mobility problems.
Stats and Case Reports
Studies have reported positive outcomes with symptom relief in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with stem cell therapy, with some patients demonstrating prolonged periods of remission. Indicating that stem cell therapy has the potential to provide long-term benefits for AS symptom management.
Case 1: A 75-year-old woman with active AS who was treated with autologous HSCT due to multiple myeloma. Notably, post-transplant, she obtained total relief from AS-related joint pain and did not take analgesias [pain-relieving medications]. Her remission has lasted for more than two years, without a single flare-up of the disease.
Types of Stem Cells Used in Autologous Therapy:
There are different types of stem cells utilized in Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis in India:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
MSCs can be obtained from different tissues of the patient’s body, such as:
Bone marrow: Stem cells taken from the pelvic area that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and muscle cells.
Adipose tissue: These stem cells are obtained from the patient’s fat tissue, usually via liposuction, and are capable of becoming the same types of cells as those from bone marrow-derived MSCs.
Peripheral Blood-Derived Stem Cells
For some, stem cells are mobilized from the bone marrow to the blood with growth factors. These stem cells can subsequently be collected for use in therapy.
Variable Outcomes:
And while many of those affected report benefits, complete cures are uncommon, with responses differing among individuals. Not all patients will experience the same level of improvement, and some may see little change. This indicates the requirement for more studies to really comprehend the enduring quality of stem cell treatment.
The Procedure for Autologous Stem Cell Therapy
Autologous stem cell therapy generally consists of four steps:
Stem Cell Harvesting
Bone marrow aspiration: Basically a small needle collects bone marrow from your pelvic bone. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically done under local anesthetic.
Adipose tissue collection: Alternatively, fat tissue can be obtained through a less-invasive liposuction procedure than traditional surgeries.
Stem Cell Processing
After collection, the stem cells are processed. That means isolating the stem cells and concentrating them, separate from other body tissues and, in some cases, activating or culturing the stem cells to enhance their regenerative powers.
Injection of Stem Cells
The modified stem cells are reinjected into the patient. This can be done through:
Intravenous infusion: The stem cells are infused into the blood circulation to migrate towards inflammation and damage sites.
Direct injection into affected areas: In more localized therapies, stem cells might be delivered by direct injection into the spine or other joints affected by AS.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Patients who are to be treated with this method after the procedure are closely monitored to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. This involves routine imaging studies such as MRIs or X-rays along with clinical assessments to monitor progress in pain, stiffness and flexibility of joints
Benefits of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy:
The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with autologous stem cell therapy stands to offer a wide range of advantages:
Reduced Inflammation: The therapy can help control chronic inflammation, reducing pain and stiffness.
Cartilage and Bone Repair: Stem cells are capable of regenerating damaged cartilage and bone, which can restore joint function and possibly prevent future injury.
Slowed Disease Progression: Stem cell therapy may slow down the progression of AS, preserving mobility and reducing the risk of joint fusion.
Minimally Invasive: It is a minimally invasive procedure, as opposed to surgery, which leads to quicker recovery times and lower risk.
No Risk of Immune Rejection: Stem cells derived from the patient’s own body, as opposed to donor-derived stem cells, pose no risk of immune rejection.
Potential for Long-Term Relief: Many patients do find that their pain and mobility have substantially improved after a series of stem cell therapy, often holding true for months and even years.
Risks and Challenges
While autologous stem cell therapy shows promise, it is important to note that there are some challenges and risks:
Limited Clinical Data: Although early results are promising, stem cell therapy for AS is still considered experimental, and there is limited long-term data to fully understand its effectiveness.
Cost: Stem cell therapy can be expensive, with prices ranging from INR 3,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 (USD 3,500 to USD 12,000), depending on the clinic and the complexity of the procedure.
Potential Side Effects: Although rare, complications such as infection, bleeding, or discomfort at the injection site can occur.
Not a Cure: Stem cell therapy is not a cure for AS. While it can provide relief and slow disease progression, patients may still need to continue traditional treatments.
Variability in Response: Not every patient will experience the same level of improvement, and some may see minimal results.
Clinics Offering Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for AS in India :
Most of the top hospitals and clinics in India providing autologous stem cell therapy for ankylosing spondylitis are listed below:
Medtravellers (Gurgaon, Haryana):
Specialized in autologous stem cell therapies, this clinic is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced regenerative treatments for autoimmune conditions including ankylosing spondylitis.
Dr Stem Cell Therapy (Delhi & Gurgaon):
With a focus on stem cell therapies, this clinic has established itself in both locations, offering autologous treatments for autoimmune diseases, especially ankylosing spondylitis.
Max Healthcare(Delhi, Gurgaon)
For instance, Max Healthcare, one of India’s major biohospital systems, has begun providing stem cell therapies for joint and spinal disorders, and their research is consistent with principles of regenerative medicine, such as treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.
Narayana Health (Bangalore):
Narayana Health treats ailments, including ankylosing spondylitis, through stem cell therapy and emphasizes clinical trials and research to ensure safe and efficient treatments are available for patients.
Kiran Stem Cell Center (Ahmedabad, Gujarat):
This clinic is dedicated to regenerative medicine with a focus on autologous stem cell therapy for ankylosing spondylitis, personalizing treatment plans using state-of-the-art procedures and specialists.
Conclusion
Stem Cell Therapy is revolutionary in India and can be seen as an exciting prospect for ankylosing spondylitis because it offers great potential for recovery in patients who have been suffering for a long time. Although more research and clinical trials are required, early reports and case studies indicate that Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis in India could offer a means of managing symptoms, repairing damaged tissue, and possibly even slowing disease progression. If this is a treatment you are interested in pursuing, make sure to talk to a qualified specialist to confirm you are a candidate for this cutting-edge therapy.
