Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into many types of tissue including muscle, bone, cartilage and tendon.
Because mesnechymal stem cells are multipotent, there has been concern that implanted stem cells could form cancer cells.
Studies have demonstrated chromosomal abnormalities in mesenchymal stem cells that have been cultured for extended periods of time. Other studies have demonstrated that mesnenchymal stem cells expanded for less than 60 days poses no detectable risk of cell changes or cancer formation.
The critical question is whether mesenchymal stem cells are safe ?
Centeno et. a.l. have shown that they are safe.
Centeno, in a prospective study examined 227 patients and found no evidence of cancer formation at re-implantation site. This finding is consistent with others who failed to find any evidence of cancer formation in mesenchymal stem cells culture expanded for limited periods.
Landmark study. Stem cell therapy has a green light!
The Regenexx procedure utilizes minimally expanded autologous meenschymal stem cells to treat common orthopedic conditions. This affords patients a non-surgical option with no extensive rehabilitation or the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery.