Stem cell therapy and immunotherapy are two of the most effective and innovative treatments in contemporary medicine. These therapies have the potential to treat diseases like cancer and spinal cord injuries, offering hope to numerous patients. However, they also come with potential risks and complications that need to be carefully weighed before treatment is chosen. In this blog, we will discuss the side effects of stem cell therapy and immunotherapy, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, where several state-of-the-art hospitals offer these treatments.
Stem Cell Therapy : What You Need to Know
Stem cell therapy involves the use of undifferentiated cells, called stem cells, that can develop into other types of body cells. This therapy has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as chronic spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, and more. However, like any medical treatment, stem cell therapy also carries risks.
Potential Complications of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy has the power to change lives, but it does come with risks. A meta-analysis of clinical trials involving patients with chronic spinal cord injuries found that the prevalence of adverse events was approximately 19%, with urinary tract and localized complications being the most common .
Further studies, including a discussion covered by UConn Health, revealed that 25% of neurologists reported that some of their patients had suffered severe complications from stem cell therapy, including infections, strokes, spinal tumors, seizures, and even death. These complications highlight the need for a thorough discussion about the potential risks before undergoing such treatments. In fact, 73% of neurologists surveyed expressed the need for better educational tools to help explain these risks to patients.
Graft versus host disease (GVHD), a condition where new stem cells attack the host body, is also a common complication in stem cell transplants. Despite these dangers, many hospitals and clinics continue to push forward with clinical trials in hopes of minimizing these harmful effects and maximizing the therapy’s potential.
A 48-year-old male received unapproved stem cell therapy and developed disseminated cutaneous ulcers, hepatitis, and cardiomyopathy. These complications ultimately led to multiorgan failure and death. This case underscores the dangers of pursuing unproven stem cell procedures.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the immune system to fight cancer. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy works by activating or boosting the immune system’s ability to identify and attack cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the type of cancer.
Immunotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in Delhi NCR due to the advanced medical facilities and access to cutting-edge treatments in the region. Leading hospitals like AIIMS, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, and Medanta – The Medicity have been pioneering the delivery of immunotherapy for various cancers, including lung cancer and breast cancer.
Adverse Effects of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers great promise for treating multiple types of cancer; however, it is not without side effects. Some patients develop complications as their immune systems become overactive. These side effects include fatigue, fever, nausea, and rashes. More serious issues arise when the immune system begins attacking healthy cells in the body, leading to conditions like inflammation of the lungs, liver problems, or autoimmune reactions.
Studies have shown that immune system-associated diseases, including pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis, are among the most common side effects of immunotherapy. These conditions can be severe and must be addressed as soon as possible.
Immunotherapy in Delhi NCR
Delhi NCR is home to some of India’s top hospitals and cancer treatment centers, which have incorporated immunotherapy into their cancer care programs. Institutions like AIIMS, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, and Medanta – The Medicity have pioneered immunotherapy for various cancers, including breast cancer and lung cancer.
These hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies and evidence-based treatment protocols. They offer patients access to therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies. The availability of these advanced treatments for cancer in Delhi NCR gives patients more options for their treatment plans.
In Delhi NCR, ongoing research is expanding the scope and efficacy of immunotherapy. Clinical trials in the region are investigating combinations of therapies, such as pairing immunotherapy with chemotherapy and radiation. Immunotherapies are showing promise in improving survival rates for cancers like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the FDA recently approving the combination of two immunotherapy agents for NSCLC patients.
A promising approach in immunotherapy is personalized treatment, where therapies are tailored based on the genetic profile of the cancer. This approach offers an increased chance of successful treatment while reducing the likelihood of side effects.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the benefits, both stem cell therapy and immunotherapy face challenges. The risks of complications such as infections, strokes, and tumors remain significant, especially when stem cell transplants are involved. Additionally, the high costs of certain treatments—particularly CAR-T cell therapy—present a barrier for some patients.
Immunotherapy also comes with the risk of severe immune-related adverse events, which require close monitoring. Furthermore, the cost of immunotherapy treatments is high and can be a significant financial hurdle for many patients.
However, ongoing research and clinical trials are hopeful for the future. As treatments evolve, they are expected to become safer and more effective, potentially giving more people the opportunity to recover.
Conclusion
Both stem cell therapy and immunotherapy are promising treatments for serious conditions like cancer, but they are not without risks. Immunotherapy for Cancer in Delhi NCR has made great strides due to advanced medical facilities and cutting-edge treatments available in the region. However, as with any treatment, it is essential for patients to make informed decisions by understanding the risks involved.In Delhi NCR, patients have access to some of the best hospitals and cancer treatment facilities in India, making it a hub for Immunotherapy for Cancer in Delhi NCR. It’s crucial for patients to be aware of both the potential benefits and adverse effects of these therapies, ensuring they receive the most appropriate care for their condition.
