Say hello to cellular therapeutics

First, we said hello to Dolly, the first cloned (or genetic carbon copy) mammal from an adult cell.

And now, people around the world are not only talking about it; they’re also undergoing the procedure in the hope of finding a cure for a number of diseases including cancer. Of course, we’re talking about stem cell technology or using our own cells to treat our illness.

The exhilarating good news is Makati Medical Center’s proud dream team of experts is not just talking about it. They’re actually doing it now at the hospital’s Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, which recently opened at the 6th floor, Tower 2 of Makati Medical Center in time for the first anniversary of MakatiMed’s Cancer Center.

At the recent launch of the lab, our eyes were riveted to the mind-blowing state-of-the-art equipment now made available to Filipinos (and somewhat affordable, too).

“This is the future of medicine and it’s about time that Makati Medical Center entered the molecular age,” announces neurosurgeon Eric Flores, head of MakatiMed’s Cellular Therapeutics Lab who’s had experience in stem cell treatment and practiced as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota.

He adds with a hint of excitement, “Everybody’s looking forward to it. People have stopped me in hallways asking when we would launch stem cell treatment. And colleagues have told me they have a patient for me.”

All this brouhaha is understandable. Picture a comatose one-year-old child suddenly waking up after stem cell treatment, as if from a bad dream, and then walking a year later. Imagine easing your pesky back pains and degenerative joint conditions with stem cells (after these are harvested from your own body and then activated to unleash your body’s natural healing powers) — and, even more hearty news, treating a host of heart ailments.

MakatiMed lists the top five reasons why patients will love this lab:

1. It probably exceeds the US-FDA sterility standards. Biosafety level 5 is one or two notches higher than what is recommended by the US-FDA.

2. It boasts an unmatched purity of stem cell product (90 to 95 percent).

3. It’s got a 10-point DNA matching. It’s got the technology to significantly minimize complications. In cases where the cells will be sourced from a donor, the lab will identify a possible cross-match for the recipient under the strictest standards.

4. It’s affordable — even cheaper than the treatment offered in neighboring countries like China and Singapore.

5. It’s managed by a powerhouse of experienced scientists with extensive training. The lab is affiliated with the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), a non-profit organization composed of leading cell therapy experts from 40 countries.

Now, here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about stem cells but didn’t know who to ask:

Inside story: Dr. Eric Flores, inside the freezing cold Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, says the facility is at least three notches better in providing a sterile environment, compared to other labs in neighboring countries. “Most cancer patients have weakened immune systems, hence, we put premium importance on the quality/sterility of the product,” he points out.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What are the key requirements for cellular therapeutics?

DR. ERIC FLORES: The two important components for cellular therapeutics are:

1. Sophisticated equipment to carry out the procedure.

2. Experienced scientists to execute the process. 

Is Makati Medical Center the only hospital equipped with a Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory? 

MakatiMed is the only hospital equipped with the Clinimacs machine that can produce clinical-grade material for cellular therapeutics.

It’s the only hospital that can provide a clean room environment that is at par with the world-class facilities abroad. 

Are people aware what this treatment/technology is about? What are people’s usual reactions to it? 

People are reading the newspaper ads and they go to China, Singapore or India to seek this kind of treatment. Most of them are receptive to this new technology. 

Simply put, what is stem cell therapy? 

For cancer patients, we use the word cancer immunization, where dendritic cells, (immune cell army) are taught/educated to teach other immune cells to attack cancer cells. In the area of regenerative medicine, another type of cell (bone marrow stem cells), can be employed to replenish the sick cells.

How safe is it?

Using your own (autologous) stem cells (such as those that come from your blood or bone marrow) is very safe. The scientific community continues to do clinical trials to ensure the safety of stem cells.

Can all cells of the body be used to treat all the diseased parts of the body? 

No, this is the most common misconception about stem cell technology. 

What diseases can stem cell therapy treat? What can it not treat? 

Dendritic cells can be utilized as a complementary treatment for cancer. Another type of cell, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been reported to be promising in the area of cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 1, joints disease, neurologic disorders.

What are the chances of cure?

There is no guarantee for cure, but several reports say that early intervention can provide the best treatment outcome.

Are there patients who have signed up for stem cell treatment at MakatiMed? Who’s your first patient? 

We have an ongoing procedure now. 

What makes the treatment so expensive? Do you think there will come a time when the cost would go down? 

The treatment at MakatiMed is less expensive than most of the hospitals in the country, some of which charge P3M to P4M per cellular therapy package. We’re cheaper than the treatment provided in neighboring countries like China and Singapore. Yes, we expect to come up with a lower cost later. 

How many times can you have a stem cell treatment? Is it like plastic surgery that you can have as often as you want? 

The one and only: The Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory is equipped with Clinimacs, a machine used by US-FDA-approved clinical studies to perform cell purification.

Yes, there is no limit. 

Are people’s stem cells different just as their body parts are different? 

Stem cells are generic, the genes and microenvironment determine the fate of the cell to form specific tissues/body parts. 

Can you get stem cells from animals to donate to humans?

This is done in Germany, but this is a totally exploratory procedure as the safety guidelines/data are not available in the public domain.

How is cloning different from stem cells? 

Cloning involves several genetic manipulations while stem cells do not require alteration of the genetic machinery of the cells. 

Do you see stem cells as becoming as common as, for instance, an appendectomy or a liposuction in the future? 

Yes, initial data on cardiovascular disease is very promising. For skin cancer, like melanoma, it’s just a matter of time before it gets into the front line of treatment. 

Can young and old have stem cell therapy? Is there an age limit? 

There is no age limit. The limiting factor would be the quality and the quantity of the cells.

How well-trained is your staff to do stem cells? 

Very experienced and foreign-trained scientists are running the labs.

How long is the treatment? What about the downtime? 

Essentially, there is no downtime. Treatment varies from four to six months.

Are there any side effects?

If the treatment is administered via skin injection, the patient may experience discomfort, such as thickening or hardening of the skin at the site of the injection.

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The Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory at Makati Medical Center is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Call 870-3015 to 17; e-mail stemcell@makatimed.net.ph; visit www.makatimed.net.ph.