More Pinoys undergo stem cell therapy

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipinos are opting for the expensive stem cell therapy to fight diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Christian Emmanuel Mancao, an official of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM), yesterday said they perform a number of stem cell treatments daily.

“In my clinic alone, I do about two, three stem cell therapy procedures everyday,” Mancao said.

He said a majority of those seeking stem cell therapy treatments are suffering from diabetes and osteoarthritis while others are afflicted with cancer and similar chronic illnesses.

Mancao said the PSSCM has been training and accrediting licensed physicians to ensure that only qualified medical experts would be providing treatment to patients availing of stem cell therapy.

A stem cell procedure could cost at least P2 million, but Mancao said that after treatment, those suffering from diabetes are expected to have normal sugar level within two months.

He advised patients interested to undergo stem cell therapy to consult with licensed doctors only so their lives won’t be put to risk.

He added that in Hong Kong, four patients underwent stem cell therapy using cells from sheep, which resulted in septic infection.

One of the four patients died.