Stem cells and beyond: Can science help our bodies heal better?
Our bodies can heal themselves in amazing ways. Cuts close and muscles recover after exercise. But healing has limits, especially as we age. When our bodies need more help, can medical science make a difference?
As a fitness and health coach studying functional medicine, I’m curious about how our bodies heal. That curiosity brought me to the Philippine Society for Regenerative Medicine’s (PSRM) first annual convention on Oct. 21 and 22 in Makati.
I went into it with more questions in my head: Could these advances someday help us or someone we love? Which treatments already work, and which remain experimental?
Beyond managing symptoms: The promise of regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine aims to repair, replace, or restore damaged cells and tissues—not just manage symptoms. In fact, PSRM founding president Dr. Quincy P. Raya, who has over 20 years of experience in preventive and regenerative medicine, explained that its potential extends beyond beauty and anti-aging to orthopedics, neurology, and reproductive medicine.
Meanwhile, PSRM vice president Dr. Daryl Joel Dumdum, a family medicine physician trained in stem cell and regenerative medicine, explained how healing changes with age. Stem cells can renew themselves and develop into specialized cells that help maintain and repair certain tissues.
(I was fascinated to learn that some treatments use our own cells—autologous cells—while others use donor cells.)
Stem cell transplants already treat certain blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. Other applications explored at the convention included diabetes, damaged joints, fertility, heart and nerve repair, and even stem cells found in teeth. Most of these newer approaches remain experimental.
The remarkable potential of stem cells and exosomes
Not all stem cells are the same. Some become only certain cell types, while pluripotent stem cells can develop into almost any cell type in the body.
Associate professor Jennifer Zenker of Monash University’s Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute discussed their potential. Imagine reprogramming an ordinary skin cell in a laboratory and guiding it to become a heart muscle or nerve cell. These induced pluripotent stem cells might one day replace cells damaged by disease or injury.
Even extracted teeth can contain stem cells. Dr. Natasha Hui Jin Ng, co-founder and CEO of BetaLife, discussed growing dental pulp cells in laboratories for possible dental, bone, and nerve repair.
Another growing area is exosome therapy. Dr. Dumdum explained that unlike stem cells, exosomes are not living cells but tiny particles that carry messages between cells. Some clinics already offer exosome treatments for skin rejuvenation, hair loss, and joint problems, although more research is needed to establish their safety and effectiveness.
Can stem cells really make us younger?
Stem cell drips and exosome infusions are advertised as ways to slow or reverse aging. But can they really do that?
Another topic discussed was biological aging. Dr. Min-Han Tan, founder, CEO, and medical director of Lucence, discussed tests that use blood markers, such as blood sugar, creatinine, albumin, and blood cell measurements, to estimate how our bodies are aging.
Stem-cell researcher Prabhu Chandra Mishra emphasized the need to distinguish promising discoveries from proven treatments. While scientists explore ways to address age-related diseases, there’s no convincing evidence that stem cell drips or exosome infusions can slow or reverse aging in healthy people. During the panel discussion, he emphasized that lifestyle still plays an important role in our health and how well we age.
From diabetes to cancer: What else is possible?
Prof. Jonathan R. T. Lakey, professor emeritus of surgery at the University of California, Irvine, discussed stem-cell-derived insulin-producing cells for type 1 diabetes. In early studies, some patients no longer needed insulin injections, but immune rejection, the need for immunosuppressive medication, and long-term safety remain concerns.
Dr. Raya discussed emerging treatments for Parkinson’s disease using stem cell-derived substances delivered through the nose, and umbilical cord blood infusions for autism. Her proposed autism study will monitor possible side effects, including fever, infection, allergic reactions, and neurological changes. Both approaches are still experimental, and more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
CAR-T therapy uses a patient’s own immune cells, which are genetically modified in a laboratory to recognize and attack cancer. Already approved in the United States for certain blood cancers, it can help some patients achieve long-lasting remission. However, it may cause serious side effects, including severe inflammation, breathing difficulties, and seizures.
Dr. Samuel D. Bernal discussed another approach called DC-CIK therapy, which uses immune cells prepared in a laboratory to help the body recognize and fight cancer. He highlighted its potential as a less expensive treatment with fewer serious side effects than CAR-T. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness and long-term safety.
Before you say yes to regenerative treatments
Regenerative treatments can be costly. Dr. Dumdum cited P700,000 for 50 million stem cells, with costs reaching P1.4 million depending on their source and processing. PRP and exosome treatments may cost less.
But even if we can afford them, how do we know they’re safe and right for us?
Dr. Dumdum and Dr. Raya raised concerns about unqualified providers and treatments lacking scientific evidence. PSRM, meanwhile, promotes education, research, and responsible medical practice. Due diligence, if you will.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) accredits facilities offering certain stem cell and related treatments, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates relevant medical products.
But even so, accreditation doesn’t mean every treatment works. Before saying yes, check the evidence, risks, alternatives, and doctor’s qualifications—not just the price or testimonials. Regenerative medicine holds exciting possibilities, but careful research must show which treatments are safe and effective.
Why lifestyle medicine still matters
As science advances, we shouldn’t overlook what we can do for our health today. Lifestyle medicine remains a foundation of long-term health. Without healthy habits, lifestyle-related diseases can still develop or worsen, affecting recovery and quality of life.
Even the healthiest lifestyle cannot prevent every disease. But regular exercise, proper nutrition, enough sleep, and stress management give us a better chance to stay healthy, strong, active, and independent for as long as possible. It all starts with how we care for ourselves today.
