Stem cell therapy explained: a guide for readers in Bangkok and Thailand
Interest in stem cell therapy keeps growing, in Bangkok, across Thailand and around the world. This page explains what the science says so far, including what is still unknown, and the questions worth asking before any treatment.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are cells that can renew themselves and develop into more specialised cells. There are several kinds:
Embryonic stem cells, which come from early-stage embryos
Induced pluripotent stem cells, which are adult cells reprogrammed in a laboratory
Adult stem cells, such as the blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow and mesenchymal stem cells
What are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?
MSCs are found in bone marrow, fat tissue and umbilical cord tissue. An international expert society has set minimum criteria a laboratory must check before calling cells MSCs. The cells must grow attached to the culture surface, carry certain surface markers, lack others, and be able to form bone, cartilage and fat cells in the laboratory.1 Many researchers now think MSCs act mainly by releasing signalling molecules that influence nearby cells, rather than by turning into new tissue.2
Why umbilical cord tissue?
Umbilical cord tissue is collected after a healthy birth, with the parents' consent, and without any procedure on the mother or baby. This is one reason researchers are interested in it as a source of MSCs.
What research has shown so far
The best-established stem cell treatment is blood stem cell transplantation, used for decades for certain blood cancers and blood disorders.
In December 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first MSC product in the United States. It is for children with a serious complication after bone marrow transplant (steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease).3
A systematic review of clinical trials found MSCs generally well tolerated in the short term. Long-term data are still limited.4
For many other conditions, MSC research is still at the clinical trial stage. Results vary, and many studies are small.
Stem cells and hair: what research shows
Researchers are studying whether substances released by stem cells can support hair growth, especially in androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), the most common type of hair thinning. Interest in this research is growing in Bangkok and elsewhere.
In a randomised, double-blind trial of 38 adults with pattern hair loss, a scalp solution made from substances released by fat-derived stem cells increased hair count and hair thickness after 16 weeks, compared with a placebo solution.6
A systematic review of 10 clinical trials found that stem cell-derived products increased hair density and thickness in people with hair loss.7
Most studies are small and short. It is still unclear how long the effect lasts, and which people are most likely to benefit.
Stem cells and facial skin: what research shows
Skin ageing involves changes in collagen and in the elastic fibres that keep skin firm. Researchers are studying whether stem cells can influence these changes.
In a small study of six people, skin treated with fat containing stem cells showed healthier elastic fibres under the microscope three months later.8
Studies like this are early and very small. They examined skin tissue, not how the face looked, and they did not follow people over the long term.
Questions to ask before any stem cell treatment
These questions are based on guidance from the International Society for Stem Cell Research.5
Where do the cells come from, and how are they tested for safety and quality?
Can the provider show the laboratory's certificate of analysis for your cells?
Who gives the treatment, and is a licensed doctor involved throughout?
What does the evidence say for your particular condition?
What follow-up is there after you go home?
Be cautious of anyone who promises a cure, or offers the same treatment for a very wide range of conditions.
Questions to discuss with a doctor first
Any history of cancer
Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Autoimmune conditions, other long-term health conditions, and the medicines you take
What you hope to achieve, so the doctor can tell you honestly what the evidence does and does not support
References
1. Dominici M, et al. Minimal criteria for defining multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. The International Society for Cellular Therapy position statement. Cytotherapy. 2006;8(4):315–317.
2. Caplan AI. Mesenchymal stem cells: time to change the name! Stem Cells Transl Med. 2017;6(6):1445–1451.
3. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves first mesenchymal stromal cell therapy to treat steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease. December 2024.
4. Lalu MM, et al. Safety of cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells (SafeCell): a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e47559.
5. International Society for Stem Cell Research. The ISSCR Guide to Stem Cell Treatments.
6. Tak YJ, Lee SY, Cho AR, Kim YS. A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical study of hair regeneration using adipose-derived stem cell constituent extract in androgenetic alopecia. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2020;9(8):839–849.
7. Chien WY, et al. Stem cell-derived conditioned medium for alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024;88:182–192.
8. Charles-de-Sá L, et al. Antiaging treatment of the facial skin by fat graft and adipose-derived stem cells. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(4):999–1009.