Autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion therapy for chronic pain
New options for persistent pain
Chronic pain involves a complex interplay of various factors, including not only local factors such as inflammation and delayed tissue repair, but also changes in nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord, as well as modifications by psychological and social factors.
When standard treatments such as painkillers, nerve blocks, exercise therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy do not provide sufficient improvement, autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy is attracting attention as a new treatment option.
At our hospital, under the guidance of an anesthesiologist and pain clinician, we provide regenerative medicine using stem cells harvested from the patient's own adipose tissue.
Features of our chronic pain treatment
1. Diagnosis and evaluation by an anesthesiologist and pain clinic physician.
Chronic pain has various causes, and the same treatment is not effective for all types of pain.
At our hospital, an anesthesiologist and pain clinic physician will first conduct an examination.
Cause of pain
Types of pain
Presence or absence of neurological disorders
Involvement of inflammation
Current treatment
We will evaluate these factors comprehensively.
We will carefully assess the patient's condition and determine the appropriateness of treatment.
2. Fat harvesting performed by a surgical specialist.
Autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy requires the collection of the patient's own adipose tissue.
At our hospital, fat harvesting is performed by a surgical specialist.
Collection with consideration for scarring
Management of postoperative pain and swelling
Club establishment management
Appropriate management of complications
We will carry it out consistently until the end.
One of the key features of our clinic is our ability to provide responsible care from fat harvesting to post-treatment follow-up.
3. Treatment using cells "specifically for you"
In autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy, stem cells are harvested from your own adipose tissue, cultured, and then used for treatment.
Because this treatment uses the patient's own cells, the risk of rejection is extremely low compared to treatments using cells from another person, making it a safe treatment option.
Furthermore, adipose tissue contains abundant stem cells, and by using the patient's own cells, regenerative medicine that utilizes the body's natural repair functions becomes possible.
4. Strict cell quality control
In regenerative medicine, cell quality is a crucial element of treatment. It's not just about the outcome—the administration of stem cells—but also about the environment in which the cells are cultured and the number of cells secured.
At our hospital, we collaborate with a cell culture processing facility (CPC) that meets national standards, and we culture stem cells under strict quality control.
During the culture process,
Sterility test
Endotoxin test
Mycoplasma test
Cell viability evaluation
Cell characterization
We will perform these procedures and administer the medication only after confirming its safety and quality.
Furthermore, we also check the number of cells administered and their culture status, and only use cells that meet certain quality standards for treatment.
5. Continuous pain assessment and follow-up
Chronic pain significantly impacts not only the severity of the pain but also sleep, activity levels, and quality of life (QOL). At our clinic, we continuously monitor your progress and perform pain assessments even after treatment.
We will carefully track the changes resulting from stem cell therapy and propose comprehensive pain management, including drug therapy, nerve blocks, and rehabilitation as needed.
Furthermore, we take responsibility for managing the wound and monitoring the progress after fat harvesting, ensuring that patients can continue their treatment with peace of mind.
What are autologous adipose-derived stem cells?
Adipose tissue is rich in stem cells that are responsible for tissue repair and regeneration.
Autologous adipose-derived stem cells are cells harvested and cultured from the patient's own fat, and are characterized by a low risk of rejection.
It is believed that when cultured stem cells are administered intravenously, they gather at the site of inflammation or tissue damage, releasing various bioactive substances to support tissue repair.
Expected effects
● Inflammation Regulation
Persistent inflammation is often involved in the background of chronic pain.
Stem cells suppress excessive inflammatory responses and support the creation of an environment conducive to tissue recovery.
● Promotion of Tissue Repair
Stem cells help repair damaged tissue and draw out the body's natural regenerative capacity.
● Improvement of the Nervous Environment
In neuropathic pain, chronic inflammation and abnormal excitation around nerves are the cause of pain.
Stem cells are expected to contribute to pain reduction by improving the environment around nerves.
● Regulation of Immune Balance
In diseases involving immune abnormalities, stem cells have been reported to moderate excessive immune responses and restore overall body balance.
We receive consultations from people like this:
fibromyalgia
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the hip
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Ligament injury
Chronic widespread pain syndrome
Chronic pain of unknown cause
*Not everyone is eligible. Eligibility will be determined after a medical examination.
Treatment process
Step 1: Examination and assessment of suitability
An anesthesiologist and pain clinic physician will conduct the examination.
Step 2: Fat collection
A surgical specialist will harvest the fat.
Step 3: Culture/quality control
Cells were cultured at our affiliated CPC (Cell Processing Center). Sterility testing and cell quality evaluation were performed.
Step 4: Stem cell administration
Administered intravenously.
Step 5: Cryopreservation
Preserve the remaining cells.
Step 6: Additional dose
Administer multiple times as needed.
We will take cells from your body, cultivate them, and deliver them into your body via intravenous drip.
Autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion therapy that prioritizes safety and effectiveness.
Regarding the number of treatment sessions
The number of treatment sessions required for autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion therapy varies depending on the type of disease, the severity of symptoms, and the course of previous treatments.
During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly assess your current condition and propose a treatment plan that takes your wishes into consideration.
Furthermore, by preserving stem cells cultured from adipose tissue collected once, it may be possible to perform multiple administrations with only one fat harvest. We will explain the details during your consultation.
For those considering treatment
Medical history and current medications
To ensure safe treatment, we will ask you in advance about any current illnesses, medical history, and medications you are taking.
In particular, if you have diabetes, heart disease, an autoimmune disease, are being treated for a malignant tumor, or are taking anticoagulant medication, please be sure to consult your doctor.
Regarding the effectiveness of treatment
Autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion therapy is a regenerative medicine that is expected to be a new treatment option for chronic pain.
On the other hand, responses vary from person to person depending on the symptoms and disease, and not all patients will experience the same effects.
While pain relief and improvements in daily activities can sometimes be expected, there are also cases where improvement is limited or sufficient effects are not felt.
At our clinic, we thoroughly explain the expected effects and limitations of treatment during the examination, and we proceed with treatment only after you are fully satisfied and understand the process.
Possible side effects and risks
While regenerative medicine is performed with safety in mind, it carries a certain degree of risk, just like all medical procedures.
Systemic reactions associated with intravenous administration
For a few days starting from the day of administration, you may experience temporary fever, fatigue, chills, headache, etc.
Most cases are mild and improve on their own, but we will take appropriate action if the symptoms are severe.
Thrombosis/Pulmonary embolism
Although extremely rare, there have been reports of the possibility that stem cell administration may affect the blood coagulation system, potentially leading to thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
At our hospital, we thoroughly assess the risks through pre-treatment examinations and tests, and provide treatment under appropriate administration methods and management systems.
Symptoms of the fat harvesting site
The following symptoms may occur after fat harvesting:
pain
swelling
Internal bleeding
A sense of unease
scar
Most things improve over time.
At our hospital, a surgical specialist handles the fat harvesting procedure, and we also provide thorough post-operative wound management and aftercare.
Wound infection
Although extremely rare, infection can occur at the site from which the fat is harvested.
We will take every precaution to prevent infection during treatment, and if an infection is suspected, we will promptly provide examination and treatment.
Please consult a specialist first.
The causes and pathologies of chronic pain vary from patient to patient.
At our clinic, we combine pain assessment by an anesthesiologist, fat harvesting by a surgeon, and regenerative medicine by a certified regenerative medicine specialist to propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual.
If you are suffering from persistent pain, please feel free to contact us.