Stem cells: what they are, what they are used for and what is experimental
Stem cells are cells that can renew themselves and turn into other types of cells. Their use is well established in some blood diseases; for most other uses they are still under investigation.
State of the evidence
Established use in bone marrow transplant; under investigation for most other uses
Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are well supported. For most other offers, the evidence is not yet sufficient.
Educational information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon. Last updated: October 3, 2026. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor.
What are stem cells?
They are cells that can divide to produce more stem cells and, depending on their type, differentiate into specialized cells. They are found in the embryo and also, in smaller amounts, in adult tissues such as bone marrow or fat.
- Embryonic: they can form almost any tissue; their use raises ethical debates and is limited to research.
- Adult or somatic: more limited in what they can form. Among them, hematopoietic stem cells produce blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells can give rise to bone, cartilage or fat.
- Induced pluripotent (iPS): adult cells reprogrammed in the lab; used mainly in research.
What are they used for with scientific support?
The best-established use is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord) to treat leukemias, lymphomas, certain anemias and other blood and immune system diseases. It is a specialized procedure performed in hospitals with specialized teams.
Beyond that, there are very specific applications in some countries, such as treating injuries to the surface of the eye with corneal cells. Most other uses are still in clinical trials.
What is still under investigation
Stem cells are being studied for osteoarthritis, heart disease, neurological diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and other conditions. Some small studies show promising signals, but there is still not enough evidence to recommend them routinely outside approved research protocols.
Several health authorities have warned about clinics that offer unapproved "stem cell therapies" for many diseases, at high cost and without supporting studies.
Risks
- Infections from handling or contamination of the product.
- Immune or allergic reactions.
- Formation of unwanted masses or growths when cells are poorly characterized.
- Financial cost without proven benefit and delay of effective conventional treatments.
What to ask before accepting a treatment
With any biological therapy, it is worth asking these questions and expecting clear, written answers:
- Does it have health authorization for this use? In Mexico, products and procedures involving human cells are regulated by COFEPRIS; you can ask for proof.
- Are there published studies in people with my condition? What results did they show?
- What are the risks and what conventional alternatives exist?
- Who administers it, with what training and in what facility?
- What is the total cost and what happens if it does not work?
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care soon if you have any of these signs:
- Fever, chills or feeling very unwell after a procedure.
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus or increasing pain at the application site.
- Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the lips or face, difficulty breathing.
- Severe pain that does not improve or gets worse over the days.
Frequently asked questions
Do stem cells regenerate organs?
In bone marrow transplants they rebuild the blood system. For regenerating other organs, the evidence in people is still limited and most of the work is experimental.
Is PRP the same as stem cells?
No. PRP concentrates platelets from your own blood and releases growth factors; it is not a stem cell treatment. They are different therapies with different evidence.
Are they safe?
It depends on the cell type, its origin, how it is prepared and where it is applied. That is why it is key to verify the health authorization and scientific backing of each offer.
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Dr. Belinda Martínez reviews your case at her office in Guadalajara. The assessment is free of charge and does not commit you to any treatment.
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This content is informational and educational; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. If you have any symptoms, consult a health professional.