Watching someone you love facing the challenges of muscular dystrophy is painful for you. Every movement they make is a battle for them and every step is a fight.
You may have heard about regenerative medicines and stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy can give your loved one an independent and fulfilling life with the help of its regenerative power.
If you want to know about this amazing therapy’s safety, effectiveness, and affordability, then this guide is for you. We will give you all the details you need to undergo stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy in India.
Let’s find out the details.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is part of regenerative medicine. It focuses on renewing and replacing damaged cells, tissues, and organs. there can be many reasons behind cell and tissue damage like aging, disease, injury, or birth defects.
If you opt for conventional treatment, you need to know that it focuses on managing the symptoms. However regenerative medicine goes beyond symptom management and aims to address the root cause of the condition and bring back the normal function. Stem cell therapy is one of the most promising regenerative treatments. Stem cells can transform into different cells like blood, brain, bone, and skin. They can also repair and replace damaged tissues.
Interestingly, life begins with a single stem cell called a zygote, and this cell multiplies and develops into specialized cells with time. Stem cell therapy uses the power of these unique cells to regenerate and treat conditions like muscular dystrophy and autism.
To know more about stem cell therapy in general, check out a detailed article.
How does Stem Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy work?
Stem cell therapy targets the root cause of muscular dystrophy which causes muscle damage and degradation. Let’s check how it works:
Stem cells can fuse with muscle cells and regenerate the damaged tissues. This healing and regeneration replace the damaged muscle fibers with healthy ones. The entire process helps restore strength and functionality in areas affected by muscular dystrophy.
Inflammation in muscles due to muscular dystrophy is a common symptom. Inflammation causes pain in muscles and delays the recovery process. These cells release special substances called cytokines which reduce inflammation and calm swelling.
When inflammation reduces, it creates a favorable environment for muscle regeneration.
Stem cells increase the oxygen and blood supply in damaged areas. They promote the formation of new blood vessels. When blood vessels form they ensure that the muscles get the nutrition and oxygen needed to heal and rebuild effectively.
That’s how stem cell therapy gives relief from symptoms and slows down the progression of the condition drastically.
Let’s learn about its benefits.
Benefits of stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy
Here are the benefits of stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy:
- Stem cells are highly effective in reducing symptoms like pain and inflammation which are common symptoms of muscular dystrophy. It does this by repairing and regenerating damaged muscle tissues.
- This therapy promotes wound healing in damaged muscles by encouraging the growth of new, healthy tissues that replace the damaged ones.
- Stem cells have shown some remarkable results in treating conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and autoimmune diseases. It not only manages the symptoms but addresses the root cause of muscular dystrophy.
- The recovery period after stem cell therapy is minimal and it is non-invasive. It focuses on giving the patient functional recovery very fast.
What is the Procedure?
Stem cell therapy aims to repair muscles and reduce the damage caused by the disease. Here’s how stem cell therapy is done for muscular dystrophy.
The specialists will take the stem cells from the patient’s blood, fat cells, or bone marrow. Umbilical cord mesenchymal cells are also used.
This procedure is noninvasive, and there is no surgery involved. The doctor injects the stem cell directly into the patient.
Doctors recommend additional treatment to increase the effectiveness of stem cell therapy. It can be hyperbaric therapy and ozone therapy to boost the effectiveness of stem cell therapy. The patient may also need speech therapy and physiotherapy to help train stem cells and improve muscle function during treatment.
What are the outcomes you should expect?
Here’s what you can expect from stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy:
- It slows down the disease. It repairs muscles and slows the worsening of symptoms.
- You can expect a decrease in pain and swelling. It also helps reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- You can also expect improved mobility, strength, and endurance as stem cell therapy fixes damaged muscles.
- You will get a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the patient’s condition.
- You can expect a short recovery and as it is non-invasive the patient doesn’t need to go under the knife.
- You will see improvement in patients gradually, so you need to be patient.
- Helps the patient to lead a more independent life and reduces the responsibilities of the caregiver drastically.
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy in India
The cost of stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy in India starts at around USD 2000 (INR 1,73,000).
However, some factors will impact the cost of this therapy. Let’s check these additional factors:
- The number of cycles needed
- The patient’s severity of the condition
- The doctor and hospital chose
- The treatment protocol used
Apart from that, the duration of stay in India may be 10-30 days for the therapy. The stay may extend to 45 days depending on the treatment plan. Stem cell therapy cost in India is affordable as compared to western countries and there is no waiting time. This makes the country a viable destination for the treatment.
Takeaway
Stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy is one way to give yourself or your loved ones a fulfilling life. It repairs the damaged muscles, reduces inflammation, and boosts mobility.
It makes the patient more independent and eases the burden of the family and others taking care of them. MedicoExperts will help you connect with the best team of specialists in India and ease your journey by assisting you in every step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can muscular dystrophy cured using stem cell therapy?
A. Muscular dystrophy cannot be cured using stem cell therapy but it can give the patient an independent life by addressing the cause of it and boosting mobility and energy levels.
Q2. Is stem cell therapy legal in India?
A. Stem cell therapy is legal in India. It is under the watch of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
It oversees clinical trials, approves the marketing of stem cell products, and authorizes the production of pharmaceuticals.
Q3. Does MD affect the brain?
A. Some types, like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, can impact brain function, leading to learning or cognitive challenges, but not all forms affect the brain.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7598050/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8445610/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30900481/#:~:text=Stem%20cell%20therapy%20has%20emerged,immune%20response%20and%20promoting%20angiogenesis
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7598050/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6172584/
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Author Bio:
Dr. Khushbu Jain is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through cutting-edge treatments. She has a special interest in researching regenerative medicine and advanced treatment for diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional treatment options. Her deep understanding of these progressive treatments allows her to offer patients personalized and effective solutions for a variety of health concerns.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
