The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) will soon expand its treatment options with cutting-edge Stem Cell Therapy
StemCord co-founder, Dr. Teo Cheng Peng, came all the way from Singapore to share information and insights on the latest in regenerative medicine. Dr. Teo is a Senior Consultant Hematologist at Parkway Cancer Center in Singapore. He specializes in Stem Cell Transplants and Blood Cancers. StemCord, the first private cord blood and stem cell bank in Singapore, is set to open a clinic at CGHMC within the year. This will expand the services of the hospital and underscore its commitment to providing advanced and revolutionary medical care.
In the mid-1990s, the discovery of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine. MSCs are adult stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. The potential applications of MSCs include tissue repair—such as bone, cartilage, and muscle. MSCs can be used to regenerate tissue and organs. As immunotherapy, it can also be used to modulate the immune system and treat autoimmune diseases.
Explaining the science behind stem cell application and therapeutics, Dr. Teo talked about MSCs, their characteristics, how they were discovered, clinical trials and safety, and what Regenerative Therapy can do for organ failure, heart failure, and lung problems. He also delved into the application of MSCs in orthopedic disorders, lung conditions, neurological disorders, and frailty brought about by aging.
Regenerative medicine has been proven effective in the repair of damaged organs. MSCs are attracted to inflammation and injuries. The Mesenchymal Stem Cells are naturally drawn to damaged cells.
The FDA has registered hundreds of clinical trials that have been conducted in virtually all types of damaged organs. MSCs have been used in treating heart conditions, lung and kidney diseases, and other major organ issues—including the treatment of COVID-related lung damage—reducing both mortality and morbidity.
Men who have undergone prostate surgery and are experiencing erectile dysfunction can also benefit, as well as women seeking face and skin rejuvenation.
Regenerative Therapy for kidney disorders utilizes stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged kidney tissue. It can be beneficial to those with acute kidney failure, diabetic kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and post-kidney transplant complications.
Stem cell therapy has also shown potential in repairing damaged heart tissue and improving cardiac function.
Those with osteoarthritis or knee injuries can greatly benefit from this type of treatment.
- Dr. Teo’s message is that as we age, our MSCs drop in both quantity and quality.
- Scientific studies show that the depletion of stem cells causes aging, and replacing stem cells may reverse its effects. Replacing MSCs may help delay frailty and physical and mental deterioration.
Dr. Teo’s message:
“Perfect example of aging is longevity (life span) plus good quality of life (health span). Growing old is inevitable. Aging leads to frailty. As we grow old, we become more susceptible to infections and reduced functional reserve. There is depletion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). MSCs repair, regenerate, and maintain tissue homeostasis. Regenerative Medicine is here. While there are still many questions and issues to iron out, it is a fact that MSC therapy does benefit patients.”
