FAQ

To answer this question, there are two factors that need to be taken into consideration: The source of the cells to be administered to the patient and the method of their preparation in the laboratory. Autologous stem cells, cells obtained from the same patient, do not pose any risk to the patient if the cells were handled and prepared using certified protocols that are supported worldwide without exposing the cells to any manipulation which may affect their genetic and epigenetic properties. Autologous stem cells are considered the safest type of stem cells used in cell therapy. Stem cells obtained from a donor, another person (adult / child), are subjected to strict and complicated regulations that include the sample being free of any viruses, bacteria, or any infectious material. The sample should also be tested for HLA- matching between the donor and the patient. The better the match, the lower the risk of rejection by the patient’s immune system which could lead to the failure of the procedure and other complications in some cases. However, a clean matching sample does not hold any risk for the development of Cancer. Stem cells obtained from the placenta or the umbilical cords of newborns are considered safe due to their low immunogenicity, i.e. they are hardly recognized by the immune system. Similarly, the cells should not be subjected to any manipulation and should be prepared using certified and supported protocols to ensure the safety of the procedure. In this case, the cells obtained from the umbilical cord do not hold any risk for cancer; on the contrary some studies have shown they play a role in fighting cancer. Embryonic stem cells, specifically those obtained from an early stage embryo, are powerful cells capable of forming tumors such as Tetratomas if transplanted into the patient. However, the use of embryonic cells has been prohibited in several countries around the world due to religious, ethical, and medical reasons. Here at Stem Cells Arabia, we do not handle/use embryonic stem cells and we are against its utilization by other institutions.