The only approved stem cell treatments in the United States include stem cell transplants from bone marrow or blood intended for patients with some cancers, according to Kaiser Health News. Despite the promise of stem cells, many treatments are still unproven.
Here are six things you should know:
1. The nation has about 600 stem cell therapy clinics, even though most therapies are not backed up by evidence at this point.
2. These clinics offer stem cell therapy for everything from spinal cord injuries to breast augmentation.
3. California boasts the most clinics at 113, with Florida (71 clinics) and Texas (37 clinics) following behind.
4. Because most of these clinics use stem cells from a patient's own fat, they argue it is not necessary to undergo the FDA approval process. These clinics often charge between $15,000 and $25,000, and the procedures are usually not covered by insurance.
5. Americans for Cures, a patient advocacy group supporting stem cell research, cautions the risk far surpasses the possible benefit with these unproven therapies.
6. Experts encourage patients to seek participation in a clinical trial that is testing stem cell therapies for their specific condition.