FAQs

Q: What are stem cells?

Ans: Stem cells are unspecialized or undifferentiated cells, capable of two processes: self-renewal and differentiation.

Q: What is Regenerative Medicine?

Ans:  Regenerative Medicine is a new and advancing scientific field focused on the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue utilizing stem cells.

Q: What is the difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells?

Ans: Adult stem cells are found in mature adult tissues including bone marrow and fat, while embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not found in the adult human body. ESCs are obtained from donated in vitro fertilizations, which raises many ethical concerns.  Because ESCs are not autologous, there is a possibility of immune rejection. Adult stem cells do not raise ethical issues nor pose any risks for immune rejection.

Q: Does Celling Biosciences research or use embryonic stem cells in clinical procedures?

Ans: No, Celling Biosciences’ cell therapy systems use only autologous adult stem cells isolated from the patient during surgery.  Celling Biosciences does not participate in embryonic stem cell research or use embryonic stem cells in clinical applications.

Q: Are there ethical issues associated with harvesting adult stem cells?

Ans: No, adult stem cells do not raise ethical questions as they are harvested from the patient’s body.

Q: Are there cancer-causing risks associated with adult stem cell treatments?

Ans: No. Where embryonic stem cells have been shown to form teratomas (germ cell tumors), there is no data that suggests adult stem cells have the same potential to promote the development of tumors.

Q: Where do adult stem cells come from?

Ans: In adults, stem cells are present within various tissues and organ systems, the most common being bone marrow and adipose or fat tissues. Other sources include the liver, epidermis, retina, skeletal muscle, intestine, brain, placenta, umbilical cord, and dental pulp.

Q: How does Celling Biosciences obtain adult stem cells for use in cell treatment?

Ans: Celling Biosciences currently has systems that use adult stem cells from both bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. The stem cells are obtained through aspiration procedures during surgery.

Q: How are adult stem cells used in surgical procedures?

Ans: Adult stem cells are used to treat patients with damaged tissues due to age or deterioration. During a procedure, stem cells are isolated from the patient, concentrated and delivered back to the site of injury to assist in the healing process.

Q: Are there different types of adult stem cells?

Ans: Yes, there are many types of adult stem cells found in the body which have variable differentiation potentials. The adult stem cells that aid in the repair of damaged tissue are multipotent, mesenchymal stem cells. These are located in bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue.

Q: Are the harvested adult stem cells expanded in a laboratory setting prior to delivery back to the patient?

Ans: No, Celling Biosciences does not use in vitro expansion. The cells are harvested, processed in the operating room and delivered back to the patient at the point of care.

Q: How do stem cells know what type of tissue to develop into?

Ans: The differentiation of stem cells is dependent on many factors, including cell signaling and micro-environmental signals. Based on these cues, stem cells are able to develop into healthy tissue needed to repair damaged tissue. For example, multipotent stem cells delivered to the damaged bone will develop into bone cells to aid in tissue repair. The exact mechanism of lineage-specific differentiation is unknown at this point.

Q: Will my body reject the stem cells?

Ans: No, adult stem cells are autologous and non-immunogenic.

Q: Where are stem cells currently being used?

Ans: Stem cells are currently being used in both laboratory and clinical settings.  Laboratories are using human and animal-derived stem cells to conduct in vitro studies as well as in vivo studies with small and large animals.  Autologous adult stem cells are currently being used in hospitals and clinics during surgery to aid in the repair of damaged tissues.

Q: What medical disciplines are currently using stem cells in their treatment?

Ans: Stem cells are currently being used in orthopedic, cardiovascular, trauma and plastic surgeries and to treat disease.

Q: What cell therapy application is Celling Biosciences currently researching?

Ans: Today, Celling Biosciences is researching and developing all cell therapy applications through their Institutes of Regenerative Medicine and are currently enrolling patients in all disciplines of regenerative medicine.

Q: How can I find a local surgeon that is using regenerative medicine to treat injuries?

Ans: The team at Celling Biosciences is happy to help assist you. Please contact Celling Biosciences at 512-343-CELL (2355) or send an email to info@cellingtechnologies.com.