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 * Home
 * What Can Be Treated?
 * The Process
 * FAQs
 * Contact

 * After the Covid pandemic, we have resumed stem cell treatments. Appropriate
   sterility and great care in sanitisation is undertaken as usual. If you are
   unwell with a cough cold or respiratory symptoms it is best to postpone your
   procedure.

 * 


NZ STEM CELL TREATMENT CENTRE

09 553 3012
 * 


 * Home
 * What Can Be Treated?
 * The Process
 * FAQs
 * Contact








FAQS

OUR TECHNOLOGY

New Zealand Stem Cell Treatment Centre uses your own adipose derived stem cells
for deployment and a data collection programme. Early stem cell research has
traditionally been associated with the controversial use of embryonic stem
cells. The new focus is on non-embryonic adult mesenchymal stem cells which are
found in a person’s own blood, bone marrow, and fat. Most stem cell treatment
centers in the world are currently using stem cells derived from bone marrow.

A recent technological breakthrough enables us to now use adipose (fat) derived
stem cells. Autologous stem cells from a person’s own fat are easy to harvest
safely under local anesthesia and are abundant in quantities up to 2500 times
those seen in bone marrow.

Clinical success and favorable outcomes appear to be related directly to the
quantity of stem cells deployed. Once these adipose derived stem cells are
administered back in to the patient, they have the potential to repair human
tissue by forming new cells of mesenchymal origin, such as cartilage, bone,
ligaments, tendons, nerve, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and certain internal
organs. Stem cells’ ability to form cartilage and bone makes them potentially
highly effective in the treatment of degenerative orthopedic conditions. Their
ability to form new blood vessels and smooth muscle makes them potentially very
useful in the treatment of peyronies disease and impotence. Stem cells are used
extensively in Europe and Asia to treat these conditions.

We have anecdotal evidence that stem cell therapy is effective in healing and
regeneration. Stem cells seek out damaged tissues in order to repair the body
naturally. The literature and internet is full of successful testimonials but we
are still awaiting definitive studies demonstrating efficacy of stem cell
therapy. Such data may take five or ten years to accumulate. In an effort to
provide relief for patients suffering from certain degenerative diseases that
have been resistant to common modalities of treatment, we are treating with very
high numbers of adipose derived stem cells obtained from fat. Adipose fat is an
abundant and reliable source of stem cells.

NZ Stem Cell Treatment Centre’s cell harvesting and isolation techniques are
based on technology from Korea. This new technological breakthrough allows
patients to safely receive their own autologous stem cells in extremely large
quantities. Our treatments are patient funded and we have endeavored
successfully to make it affordable. All of our sterile procedures are
non-invasive and done under local anesthesia. Patients who are looking for
non-surgical alternatives to their degenerative disorders can complete a
candidate application form to determine if they may be eligible candidates.
NZ Stem Cell Treatment Centre is proud to be state of the art in the new field
of Regenerative Medicine.

NON EMBRYONIC ADULT STEM CELLS

Adult (non embryonic) Mesenchymal Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that
have the ability to replace dying cells and regenerate damaged tissue. These
special cells seek out areas of injury, disease and destruction where they are
capable of regenerating healthy cells and enabling a person’s natural healing
processes to be accelerated. As we gain a deeper understanding of their medical
function and apply this knowledge, we are realising their enormous therapeutic
potential to help the body heal itself. Adult stem cells have been used for a
variety of medical treatments to repair and regenerate acute and chronically
damaged tissues in humans and animals. The use of stem cells is not FDA approved
for the treatment of any specific disease in the United States at this time and
their use is therefore investigational. Many reputable international centres
have been using stem cell therapy to treat various chronic degenerative
conditions as diverse as severe neurologic diseases, renal failure, erectile
dysfunction, degenerative orthopaedic problems, and even cardiac and pulmonary
diseases to name a few. Adult stem cells appear to be particularly effective at
repairing cartilage in degenerated joints.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

Regenerative Medicine includes stem cell and stromal vascular fraction therapy,
processes which use your own living, functional tissues to repair or replace
tissue dysfunction due to damage, or inflammation. Damaged tissues are
stimulated to heal themselves, in the presence of appropriate growth and healing
factors.

WHAT ARE THE TOOLS OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

Traditionally, we have used various medications and hormones to limit disease
and help the body repair itself. For example, hormone replacement therapy has,
in many cases, shown the ability to more optimally help the immune system and
thus help us repair diseased or injured tissues. Genetic research is an evolving
area where we will eventually learn and utilise more ways of specifically
dealing with gene defects causing degenerative disease. Stem cell therapy is an
innovative area of medicine that has shown considerable promise in treating many
degenerative conditions.

WHAT IS A STEM CELL?

A stem cell is basically any cell that can replicate and differentiate. This
means the cell can not only multiply, it can turn into different types of
tissues. There are different kinds of stem cells. Most people are familiar with
or have heard the term “embryonic stem cell.” These are cells from the embryonic
stage that have yet to differentiate – as such, they can change into any body
part at all. These are then called “pluri-potential” cells. Because they are
taken from unborn or unwanted embryos, there has been considerable controversy
surrounding their use. Also, while they have been used in some areas of medicine
– particularly, outside the United States – they have also been associated with
occasional tumour (teratoma) formations. There is work being conducted by
several companies to isolate particular lines of embryonic stem cells for future
use.

Another kind of stem cell is the “adult stem cell.” This is a stem cell that
already resides in one’s body within different tissues. In recent times, much
work has been done isolating bone-marrow derived stem cells. These are also
known as “mesenchymal stem cells” because they come from the mesodermal section
of your body. They can differentiate into bone and cartilage, and probably all
other mesodermal elements, such as fat, connective tissue, blood vessels, muscle
and nerve tissue. Bone marrow stem cells can be extracted and because they are
low in numbers, they are usually cultured in order to multiply their numbers for
future use. As it turns out, fat is also loaded with mesenchymal stem cells. In
fact, it has hundreds if not thousands of times more stem cells compared to bone
marrow. Today, we actually have tools that allow us to separate the stem cells
from fat. Because most people have adequate fat supplies and the numbers of stem
cells are so great, there is no need to culture the cells over a period of days
and they can be used right away.

HOW DO ADULT STEM CELLS HEAL?

These adult stem cells are known as “progenitor” cells. They remain dormant
until they identify some level of tissue injury which activates them. With a
degenerative problem, stem cells migrate to the area of need attached to
receptors to stimulate the healing process. They have the ability to replicate
(multiply), and differentiate (change into the tissue needed for repair),
mediated by intercellular signalling. Many animal models and human trials
evidence their significant reparative action.

WHAT DISEASES AND CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED?

This will depend on the type of degenerative condition you have. After you have
been evaluated as a potential candidate for stem cell therapy you may be
recommended for treatment. When you have considered the potential risks,
benefits and costs involved, you may choose to select this nonsurgical
treatment. Although a minimally invasive procedure, you will still need to be
medically cleared for the procedure.

IS OUR PROCEDURE FDA-APPROVED?

NO.

The NZ Stem Cell Treatment Centre’s stem cell/ SVF medical procedures are
decided between the doctor and patient prior to proceeding with treatment. As an
affiliate of the CSN group, NZSCTC follows the Investigational Research Board,
(IRB) of the FDA, approved protocols and guidelines for the treatment and
manipulation of patient’s own tissues. Same day treatment with the patient’s own
cells is minimally invasive, prior to deployment within 1 to 2 hours usually.

No cell expansion or other laboratory manipulation is undertaken at NZSCTC.

DOES NZSCTC USE ANY EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS?

No.

Embryonic stem cells are associated with ethical considerations and limitations,
which includes the risk of tumour formation such as teratoma.

Only adipose-derived adult mesenchymal stem cells are used. These cells are
capable of forming bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, ligaments, blood vessels, and
certain organs.

WHY DOES NZSCTC TAKE A MULTI-SPECIALTY TREATMENT APPROACH TO REGENERATIVE
MEDICINE?

Patients suffer from many varieties of degenerative illnesses which may affect
any aspect of the body. A full medical evaluation prior to making a treatment
decision is recommended.

Stem cell therapy is the likely key element of the developing field of
regenerative medicine. Human clinical trials have increasingly been reported
over the last 10 years overseas. As yet this treatment is still considered
unproven and an innovative therapy. Observation of patients undergoing stem cell
therapy will contribute to establishing optimal parameters for treatment, whilst
noting their effectiveness and any adverse effects. Increasing publication of
this observational data over time will clarify these issues.

WHY DO PATIENTS REQUEST STEM CELL TREATMENT?

Many are seeking a non surgical option that is minimally invasive for treatment
of their medical condition. The results of stem cell treatments in animals and
humans have been increasingly reported over many years. NZSCTC informs patients
desiring convenience, quality and affordability about possible autologous stem
cell treatment if it is considered appropriate. This may help avoid unnecessary
overseas travel seeking treatment.

HOW DOES NZSCTC OBTAIN A PERSON’S STEM CELLS?

Stem cells are harvested and used (deployed) during the same procedure in 2-3
hours. Fat is harvested by a minimally-invasive liposuction procedure from your
abdomen or flanks. This takes less than 30 minutes, done under local anaesthesia
alone. SVF including stem cells are then laboratory processed, ultra filtered,
ready for deployment within 90 minutes. No cell expansion or other additives are
employed. Your own stem cells mixed with many growth and healing factors are
used.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF FAT OVER BONE MARROW AS A SOURCE OF STEM CELLS?

Bone marrow sampling is an uncomfortable procedure yielding lower numbers of
stem cells. These are then cultured over days prior to deployment (injection
into the patient) to increase the relatively poor cell count from  5,000 to
10,000 cells per ml. Bone marrow aspirates of 100 mls are usual.

Much higher numbers of stem cells are obtained from readily available fat via a
mini liposuction procedure.

Harvesting 50 mls of fat yields approximately 500,000 to 1 million stem cells
per ml of fat. 

10 to 40 million stem cells may be available for treatment.

Fat can be re-harvested readily for repeat treatment in the future if required.

HOW IS THE FAT OBTAINED?

Fat is harvested by a minimally invasive mini-liposuction procedure under local
anaesthetic. Approximately 50 mls is removed in under 30 minutes from the
abdomen or flanks usually, with consideration given to achieving an optimal
cosmetic result. An elasticated back support is worn for 24 hours to reduce
bruising.

Special equipment is used to harvest and isolate the SVF from the lipoaspirate.

Post-operatively, bruising and minimal discomfort may be felt. There is minimal
restriction on activity. You are able to drive or fly immediately on discharge.

HOW IS STERILITY CONTROLLED IN THIS PROCESS?

Fat is harvested under sterile conditions, and prepared using a semi closed
system.  Air exposure throughout the entire process from removal to deployment
is virtually nil. Sterile technique is maintained throughout the entire
procedure to prevent infection. The CSN protocols for skin preparation and
disinfection are followed.

ARE NZSCTC STEM CELLS SOURCED FROM ANIMALS OR OTHER PEOPLE?

No.

Only you own (autologous) cells are used.

There can be no contamination with foreign DNA.

SOME STEM CELL FACILITIES DELAY REINSERTION OF STEMS FOR WEEKS AFTER HARVESTING.
WHY?

Facilities obtaining stem cells from bone marrow, placenta, dental pulp, or
blood achieve relatively small numbers of cells. Culturing of cells in the
laboratory (growing, or “expanding”) is required  to create adequate quantities.
This is a multi-staged process which necessitates a number of other risks.

NZSCTC uses the most common source of mesenchymal stem cells – which is fat –
providing 2,500 x the numbers found in bone marrow.  Stem cells are isolated in
vast numbers in a short period of time. Culturing is unnecessary. Cells can be
used for treatment (deployed) within 90 minutes of harvesting.

OTHER STEM CELL TREATMENT CENTRES MAKE EXTRAORDINARY CLAIMS OF SUCCESS. DOES
NZSCTC?

No.

NZSCTC established the first clinic in Australia and NZ using the CSN method in
2015.  Clinical data on outcomes and safety of SVF therapy is optionally
collected by CSN, with the patients consent if they choose to do so. Results of
the aggregated non-identifiable data will continue to be published in peer
review literature. Ultimately this will advance knowledge of cellular based
regenerative medicine.

No guarantee of beneficial outcome can be given to prospective patients. No
benefit is a possible outcome.

Medical regulations prevent publication of testimonials.

CAN STEM CELLS TREAT CANCER?

No.

Many are confused by this because they have heard of cancer patients receiving
“stem cell transplants.” These patients had ablative bone marrow therapy and
need stem cells to re-populate their blood and marrow. This is different from
the stem cells we deploy to treat noncancerous human diseases at NZSCTC.

CAN STEM CELLS CAUSE CANCER?

Adult mesenchymal stem cells are not known to cause cancer.

Anecdotal stories of cancer caused by stem cells are related to the use of
embryonic/ foetal cells (not adult mesenchymal cells). These rare embryonic
tumours (teratomas) are possible with the use of foetal cells.

CAN PATIENTS WITH PREEXISTING CANCER BE TREATED?

Stem cells should not be used in patients with known active cancer.

It is considered safe and not affecting those with dormant cancer. With
successful cancer treatment, there is no reason to withhold stem cell therapy.

DO AUTOLOGOUS ADIPOSE DERIVED ADULT MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS HARM HUMANS OR
ANIMALS?

We know of no documented cases where serious harm has resulted. Numerous animal
studies have been published demonstrating the safety and efficacy of SVF
therapy.

Patients can choose to enter a CSN data collection programme to follow them up
to record clinical progress and any adverse outcomes. This information is vital
to the development of stem cell science.

Any reports of serious complications will be thoroughly evaluated.

The International Stem Cell Society registry has over 5,000 cases currently
registered and only 2% of the treatments were associated with any complications,
none of which were considered “serious adverse events.”

WHAT CLAIMS ABOUT STEM CELL THERAPY ARE MADE BY NZSCTC?

None.

Our aim is to make cell based medicine available to patients. Ongoing outcome
data provided over time by patients who elect to join the multinational
multicentre CSN Data Collection Programme (DCP) will contribute to their
 Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study. CSN will follow these patients
for two years. This will enables significant data to accumulate about many
degenerative diseases treated with SVF.  Changes in pain scores and any adverse
outcomes over time are recorded and aggregated non-identifiably for possible
future publication.

NZSTC makes no claims about the success of the intended treatment. This is a new
therapy using your own cells in your body, not “medicines” for sale.

The first reported analysis of the CSN DCP was published in the American Journal
of Cosmetic Surgery in February 2017, with documented safety and effectiveness.

The CSN DCP database  may contribute to a future approved International Registry
(See ICMS Stem Cell Registry).

ARE ANY BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ADDED TO THE STEM CELLS SUCH AS MEDICATIONS OR
MIXTURES CONTAINING PLASMA ENRICHED PLATELETS?

Roche collagenase is used to break down the stroma in the harvested fat to
liberate stem cells, growth and healing factors (SVF). The collagenase is of
course removed prior to deployment. No other foreign substances or medications
are added in the laboratory preparation.

PRP is not used in this method of lab preparation or deployment. It is
significantly less effective than SVF therapy and has shown no benefit when used
concurrently with SVF so has been abandoned.

HOW ARE THE CELLS DEPLOYED INTO A PATIENT?

Depending on the type of treatment required, stem cells can be injected through
veins, arteries, into spinal fluid, subcutaneously, or directly into joints or
organs. All of these are considered minimally invasive methods of introducing
the stem cells. Stem cells injected intravenously are known to “seek out and
find” (see photo) areas of tissue damage and migrate to that location thus
potentially providing regenerative healing. Intravenously injected stem cells
have been shown to have the capability of crossing the “blood-brain barrier” to
enter the central nervous system and they can be identified in the patient’s
body many months after deployment. Note yellow arrow showing the stem cells
concentrated in the patient’s hand where he had a Dupytren’s contracture
(Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand deformity that causes the tissue beneath the
surface of the hand to thicken and contract).

CAN I BE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE AFTER STEM CELL TREATMENT AT NZSCTC?

Different conditions are treated in different ways with varying degrees of
success. If the goal is regeneration of joint cartilage, one may not see
expected results until several months after treatment. Some patients may not
experience significant improvement at all. Others may improve dramatically with
significant resolution of symptoms such as pain, weight gain, depression, and
poor mobility with osteoarthritis for example.

Medical regulations prevent NZSCTC from making any claims about expectations for
success. If you are chosen for treatment, stem cell therapy may be beneficial.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE IMPROVEMENT?

With stem cell/SVF therapy,  the regenerative process takes time. Tissue repair
may reflect an improvement in symptoms over weeks or months. No improvement may
be noticed for 3 or 4 months with severe conditions. An early reduction in pain,
mobility or other symptoms can occur promptly from the action of growth and
healing factors (cytokines) which are powerful anti inflammatory agents.

Neurodegenerative  disorders such as multiple sclerosis will require a series of
treatments. Most arthritic joints require a single treatment.

IS EVERYONE A CANDIDATE?

No.

Some medical conditions can be treated with SVF at NZSCTC, following the CSN
approved protocols.

The first step in the process is to complete a candidate application form on
this website which is reviewed by our medical team. A full medical assessment is
required prior to SVF treatment in our facility.  Some patients may be declined
as unsuitable. We encourage you to discuss this with your GP prior to
application.

ARE ANY PATIENTS AUTOMATICALLY EXCLUDED?

Yes.

Patients who are breastfeeding, pregnant, children and those with uncontrolled
cancer or if severely ill are excluded.

Active infections should be treated prior to SVF therapy.

Anyone with a bleeding disorder or who takes blood thinning medications requires
special evaluation before consideration for stem cells.

WHO DECIDES WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The NZSCTC doctor  will make a determination based on your history and
examination, radiology studies, relevant lab and medical reports. The
multinational CSN physician network provides wide peer support.

DOES A CANDIDATE HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DATA COLLECTION PROGRAMME TO RECEIVE
TREATMENT AT NZSCTC?

No.

Participation in the multinational CSN Data Collection Programme (DCP) is not
mandatory, and does not affect patient treatment protocols. Patients can opt in
or opt out.

There are no incentives, financial or otherwise, to induce patients to
participate in the DCP. NZSCTC’s patients can contribute to the data collection
programme which may assist in the development of stem cell science. Privacy will
be maintained.

Any future publication of this aggregated data will be of course non
identifiable.

WHAT ARE SOME DISEASES THAT NZSCTC IS DEFINITELY NOT TREATING AT THIS TIME?

NZSTC is not treating patients with autism, active cancer, uncontrolled
infection, spinal cord injuries, and any other diseases not included in the CSN
list of approved protocols for treatment.

See list of problems currently being studied by CSN.

WHAT IS THE COST OF CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT?

Patients who are considered suitable for treatment based on the candidate
application form will be invited for a medical consultation which costs NZD
 $250 including GST.

Following a full assessment, a written quote will be provided for SVF treatment.
Typically this will be $13,000 NZD. Repeat procedures are discounted. In cases
of financial hardship, a reduced fee may apply.

Private medical insurance and ACC does not cover the cost of stem cell
treatments currently.

 

WHAT DOES THE COST OF PROCEDURE INCLUDE?

Because of recent innovations in technology, NZSCTC is able to provide
outpatient stem cell treatment at a fraction of the cost of that seen in many
overseas clinics. The fee covers fat cell harvesting, cell preparation, and stem
cell deployment.

CAN EXTRA STEM CELLS BE SAVED FOR FUTURE USE?

Stem cells can be cryopreserved for prolonged periods of time in liquid nitrogen
is specialised facilities in Australia and the USA.

There is a significant cost but this may allow ready availability of your stem
cells by culture preparation should there be a medical need in the future.

HOW MANY INJECTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS?

Most patients, especially those with orthopaedic conditions, require only one
deployment. Some degenerative conditions such as auto-immune and
neurodegenerative disease may respond to a series of stem cell deployments.  Any
other future treatments would be decided on a case by case basis. Financial
consideration is given in these instances.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION OF STEM CELL TREATMENTS?

There is a lot of information available on the internet. References for
published articles can be provided on application for specific diseases. You may
like to view our libraries via this link:

A good resource is the International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS). Stem
Cells 101


Contact Us
Candidate Application Form


ABOUT

At the NZ Stem Cell Treatment Center, we provide care for people suffering from
diseases that may be alleviated by access to adult stem cell based regenerative
treatment.

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CONTACT INFO

Clinics in Whangarei and Queenstown

WHANGAREI CLINIC

67 Maunu Rd, Whangarei 0110
Northland

QUEENSTOWN CLINIC

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11 McBride St
Frankton
Queenstown Phone: 09 553 3012 info@stemcell.co.nz

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