Is Stem Cell Therapy Really A New Hope For Kronis Disease Treatment?

JAKARTA - Over the years, stem cells are often seen as research material rather than treatment methods. Many parties consider its use to be limited to experiment, not medical therapy. However, a number of recent studies have begun to shift this view.

Now, stem cells are considered capable of being one of the effective treatment options, especially for chronic diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.

One of the fast-growing approaches is regenerative therapy by utilizing stem cells and secretomes. The way this therapy works is to help the body repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, as well as stimulate the natural healing process.

Various chronic diseases are now the target of this therapy, including:

Orthopedic and musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoartritis, spinal injury, to joint damage.

chronic kidney disease.

Heart and blood vessel disorders.

Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Diabetes mellitus.

chronic liver disease (fibrosis, cirrhosis).

neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

"Stem cells and secretomes have demonstrated effectiveness in orthopedic cases, such as osteoartritis to spinal cord injuries," said dr. Sandy Qlintang, M.Biomed, President Director of Kalbe Regenic Stem Cell, in Stem Cell Monument and Regenerative Therapy: New Hope for Regenerative Medicine in Central Jakarta, recently.

Although the potential is great, experts emphasize that stem cell therapy cannot be done carelessly. Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), emphasized that cell-based treatment is not a shortcut, but must go through strict medical procedures.

In the latest regulation, BPOM requires valid pre-clinical and clinical trials before stem cell therapy can be used. In addition, there are requirements related to quality standards, product safety, as well as strict supervision in its production and distribution.

"The fire stem cell promises hope, but also holds a great risk if it is not developed and used properly. We must not pawn patient safety for the sake of sensation," said Prof. Taruna Ikrar.

In line with this, dr. Yanuarso, Sp.OT(K), MH, DABRM, explains that this therapy can help improve musculoskeletal tissues such as bones and joints.

"The use of stem cells in the musculoskeletal network is getting wider and not only accelerates healing, but also improves the network function significantly," he concluded.