STEM CELL THERAPIES
CELL THERAPY
Every living organism produces cells that mature, differentiate, and eventually die. The term “stem cells” refers to various types of cells in the human body—differing in origin and potential—that share two key abilities: they can undergo a potentially unlimited number of divisions and can differentiate into other types of cells and tissues. Stem cells replace cells that have died by providing new ones. Stem cells are classified into four categories: totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent.
Depending on how they are obtained, several sources of stem cells can be distinguished:
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multipotent or unipotent cells from adult individuals (so-called somatic cells),
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multipotent stem cells from umbilical cord blood and the placenta,
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totipotent or pluripotent stem cells from human embryos.
Mesenchymal stem cells are increasingly being used in experimental medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells, in quantities sufficient for clinical use, have been isolated, among other sources, from Wharton’s jelly.
Wharton’s jelly is the tissue that fills the inside of the umbilical cord. It is a substance within the umbilical cord that contains mucopolysaccharides (hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate). It also contains macrophages and fibroblasts. It is a specific type of gelatinous connective tissue. In response to the temperature change in the extrauterine environment, it decreases in volume and constricts the umbilical vessels. Cells from Wharton’s jelly express many stem-cell-related genes, including telomerase. They can be isolated, cultured, and induced to differentiate into other cell types, such as neurons. Wharton’s jelly is therefore a potential source of mature stem cells.
Polski Ośrodek Terapii Komórkowych
i Immunoterapii
ul. Wały Gen. Dwernickiego 43/45
42-202 Częstochowa
Benefits of stem cell therapy:
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Tissue regeneration – MSCs can differentiate into various cell types, supporting the repair of damaged tissues.
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Safety – the medical literature has not reported significant adverse effects associated with MSC administration.
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High immunological compatibility – Wharton’s jelly is an excellent source of cells with a low risk of immune rejection.
Cell Therapy at Centrum Medyczne Klara in Częstochowa
Centrum Medyczne Klara in Częstochowa offers cell-based therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived, among others, from Wharton’s Jelly (umbilical cord tissue). These therapies are used as part of a treatment program for selected neurological and ophthalmological conditions, conducted within the framework of a therapeutic medical experiment.
Nature of the Therapy and Formal Requirements
Cell-based therapies offered at Centrum Medyczne Klara are administered as part of a therapeutic medical experiment procedure. In order to participate, the patient must undergo a medical qualification process, performed by: Dr Beata Świątkowska-Flis — specialist in adult neurology. During the qualification visit, the patient’s clinical condition, medical documentation, and eligibility criteria for participation in the therapeutic medical experiment are assessed. Details regarding the route of administration, duration of the visit, and post-infusion observation are discussed and determined individually with the patient during the qualification process.
Scope of Therapy — Adults
Neurology (Adults)
Cell-based therapies for adult patients are provided for the following neurological conditions:
- spinocerebellar ataxia
- muscular dystrophies
- spastic quadriplegia
- spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1
- multiple sclerosis
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- severe developmental disorders
- motor neuron disease
Ophthalmology (Adults)
In the field of ophthalmology, cell-based therapies include:
- optic neuropathies
- optic nerve atrophy
Therapeutic Project for Children
Centrum Medyczne Klara also conducts a separate therapeutic project dedicated to children, carried out within the framework of a therapeutic medical experiment.
Cell-based therapy for children includes the following conditions:
- cerebral palsy
- Huntington’s disease
- drug-resistant epilepsy
- encephalopathy
- cerebellar ataxia
- pervasive developmental disorders
- spina bifida
- multiple sclerosis
- muscular dystrophy
Children are qualified individually, based on their medical documentation and clinical assessment.
Basic Qualification Criteria
- Therapy is generally available for patients aged 18–85 years within the adult project and 1–18 years within the pediatric project.
- The use of contraception is required for women of childbearing age.
- Patients with active infections, severe organ diseases, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or malignant cancers are not eligible.
Final qualification for therapy using stem cells is made by the physician supervising the project.
Contact
Polski Ośrodek Terapii Komórkowych i Immunoterapii
ul. Wały Dwernickiego 43/45, 42-200 Częstochowa
tel. +45 525 154 18
tel. +48 732 108 233
e-mail: therapymsc@cm-klara.pl
Practical and Logistical Information
- Location:
Centrum Medyczne Klara
Wały Generała Józefa Dwernickiego 43/45
42-202 Częstochowa, Poland - Travel and Transportation:
The nearest major international airport is Katowice Airport (KTW). From there, Częstochowa can be reached by taxi, train, or rental car. Alternatively, patients may travel via Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), which offers convenient rail and road connections to Częstochowa. - Accommodation:
Patients may stay in hotels in Częstochowa or nearby during the treatment period. The CM Klara team typically provides support and information regarding local accommodation options. - Length of Stay:
Depending on the treatment plan (number of infusions), the stay may range from a single day to multiple visits scheduled over time. In most cases, infusions are performed on the same day without the need for overnight hospitalization.
