Frequently Asked Questions

Are these treatments a cure for any disease or condition?

It is very important for patients and caregivers to understand that stem cell therapy is not a cure for any condition and any clinic stating so is misleading patients. Beware of any center claiming to cure any condition or diagnosis with stem cells.

What is research-based or evidence-based medicine?

Research-based or evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical practice intended to optimize decision-making by emphasizing the use of evidence from well designed and conducted research. Each aspect of your stem cell treatment has been analyzed and designed around the latest stem cell clinical research studies where both safety and efficacy have been shown. This includes the harvesting of tissue, the processing of your cells and the administration of your stem cells back into your body.

Where do the stem cells come from?

The stem cells used in these treatments come from the patient’s own body. More specifically, from the patient’s bone marrow. Within the marrow, resides a very high concentration of mesenchymal stem cells which are responsible for proliferation and healing throughout the body.

How much bone marrow aspirate is harvested from my body for this procedure?

Roughly about 100cc’s of bone marrow aspirate is taken for this procedure. This is a small amount which can be taken in a minimally invasive bone marrow harvest.

What is adult bone marrow derived stem cell therapy?

Adult bone marrow stem cell therapy is an interventional technique which utilizes the patient’s own stem cells. Once the stem cells are harvested through a minimally -invasive bone marrow harvest they are minimally manipulated / processed or “activated” and finally reintroduced back into the patient’s body. The stem cells are essentially blank slates. Once they are activated they have the ability to proliferate, minimize inflammation, remodulate a patient’s immune system, increase the blood vessels/vasculature and support neurotrophic factors within a patient. This technique has been shown to be very safe and effective to help improve disease related symptoms in patients.

Is this procedure painful?

Harvesting bone marrow in the past has typically been a somewhat painful procedure for patients. Currently TruStem Cell Therapy utilizes a cutting-edge powered device which is a far superior option. Our powered harvesting device allows for a much quicker procedure resulting in significantly less pain while also allowing for better sterility and a higher yield of stem cells which directly aids efficacy. Many patients have reported little to no pain from our harvesting procedure.

Bone Marrow vs. Placental/Umbilical/Fetal Stem Cells?

Be aware that representatives at certain stem cell clinics/companies will claim your stem cells are too old to provide therapeutic benefit when utilized as a treatment. This is simply not true since a vast number of clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of stem cells derived from individuals of advanced age. This therapeutic effect has been reliably repeated and well documented in medical literature.

However, many representatives will argue that placental/fetal/umbilical cord cells or cell products are a more appropriate therapy for individuals of a certain age. Unfortunately, this is a marketing ploy with the intent of selling a treatment or “add-on treatment” of little value. Placental/fetal/umbilical cell treatments utilize off-the-shelf products that lack real therapeutic benefit. A recent study demonstrated that these products contained only dead cells or cell fragments. Further, these products contained very low levels of growth factors, levels no higher than ordinary blood. Be highly cautious of any clinic or company that claims to provide living placental/fetal cells as part of their therapy. This likely indicates the cells are from an unknown source and could be contaminated with any number of viral or bacterial pathogens.

Board certified physicians?

TruStem Cell Therapy always provides access to stem cell therapy by Board Certified Physicians. Each physician completes their own part of the stem cell treatment process for which they specialize. This ensures the physicians with the most experience focuses on their specialty to help ensure a safe and effective treatment.

PhD neuroscientist?

One of the biggest advantages of TruStem Cell Therapy is the expertise of our on-staff PhD Neuroscientist. By doing so, we are providing access to stem cell therapy by a true cell scientist capable of employing the latest research into each step of your treatment protocol. This provides patients with a level of safety and efficacy they cannot receive elsewhere.

What side effects or complications has TruStem Cell Therapy observed from these treatments?

Adult bone marrow stem cell therapy has been proven to be an extremely safe option for patients. Typically patients will experience some soreness or bruising from the harvesting area where the stem cells have been harvested by the surgeon. This can last between 1-2 weeks after the treatment. Normal out-patient, minimally invasive surgical risks do exist as it’s best to consult with your physician before undergoing stem cell therapy.

How long does the treatment take?

Patients will be with us for 3 days. The first day of arrival is a new patient orientation followed by a one-on-one consultation with your doctor. The second day is your treatment day. The final day is a quick check-up by the medical team before clearing you to return home.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of each patient’s stem cell therapy can vary depending on their condition as each treatment is customized around the patient’s needs. Please contact us to discuss the cost of your specific stem cell therapy.

How long does it take to see results from treatment?

While some patients do see an immediate response from their stem cell treatment the vast majority of patients may see a response take up to 6 months after their treatment. Keep in mind, every patient is different and there are many factors that can determine this. Some patients may not see improvements from stem cell therapy, just like any other medical treatment as no treatment is 100% effective.

Do patients travel to Illinois to receive stem cell therapy through TruStem Cell?

A significant percentage of patients come from either out of state or out of country. The procedure is minimally invasive so patients can return home the afternoon of the day after their stem cell treatment.

What part of the travel does TruStem Cell Therapy cover?

TruStem provides patients with travel coverage which includes the cost of their hotel stay, most meals, ground transportation to and from the treatment center and ground transportation to and from the airport.

Does health insurance cover the treatment?

Health insurance does not currently cover adult stem cell therapy. There are some stem cell companies claiming their treatments are covered by insurance, however this only applies to the labs and testing which is a negligible amount.

Is there financial assistance available for stem cell therapy?

TruStem Cell Therapy offers patients the ability to finance a portion of their treatment through www.LightStream.com. Please inquire with one of our Patient Advocates for more details.

Are there any Moral or Religious concerns?

Moral and religious concerns exist in regard to embryonic or fetal stem cells. These concerns do not apply to adult bone marrow derived stem cell therapy as the cells come only from the patient’s own body.

Is this procedure FDA approved?

No, however these experimental treatments are in compliance with the FDA’s latest guidance which defines “homologous use” and “minimal manipulation.” The full guidance document can be found HERE.

TruStem Cell Therapy does not claim that any applications, or potential applications, using autologous stem cells are approved by the FDA, or are even effective. We do not claim that these treatments work for any listed nor unlisted condition, intended or implied. It’s important for potential patients to do their own research based on the options that we present so that one can make an informed decision. Any decision to participate in our patient funded experimental protocols is completely voluntary.

TruStem Cell Therapy is not offering stem cell therapy as a cure for any condition, disease, or injury. No statements or implied treatments on this website have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. This website contains no medical advice. All statements and opinions provided by this website are provided for educational and informational purposes only and we do not diagnose or treat via this website or via telephone. TruStem Cell Therapy is offering patient funded therapy to provide individual patients with homologous use and minimal manipulation that contains their own autologous stem cells and growth factors and the treatment centers provide surgical procedures only and are not involved in the use or manufacture of any investigational drugs.

TruStem Cell Therapy does not claim that any applications, or potential applications, using autologous stem cells are approved by the FDA, or are even effective. We do not claim that these treatments work for any listed nor unlisted condition, intended or implied. It’s important for potential patients to do their own research based on the options that we present so that one can make an informed decision. Any decision to participate in our patient funded experimental protocols is completely voluntary.

What conditions can adult stem cell therapy be used for?

Adult stem cell therapy may be able to help the following conditions:
Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, COPD, Diabetes Type 2, Alzheimer’s, Wound Care, Many Auto-immune conditions, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and more.
Keep in mind, there are also many conditions/disease that stem cell therapy is known to be ineffective for. For more information on those conditions, please contact us to speak with one of our Patient Advocates.

Candidacy for treatment?

The medical team takes multiple factors into account when determining a patient’s candidacy for stem cell therapy. There are multiple factors that could exclude a patient from receiving treatment. Patients must complete a medical history evaluation form to determine their candidacy before scheduling their treatment through TruStem Cell Therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No, however these experimental treatments are in compliance with the FDA’s latest guidance which defines “homologous use” and “minimal manipulation.” The full guidance document can be found HERE.

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