At its most straightforward, regenerative medicine is simply a treatment procedure that involves replacing damaged or defective cells, tissues, or organs with new ones. The goal is to bring back normal function of the injured or damaged areas of the body at a faster recovery rate and with less pain, compared to traditional invasive procedures. 
Regeneration can be done in two ways. The first involves actual replacement of damaged tissues, while the second requires the stimulation of the body’s own regenerative properties to perform the repairs. This field of medicine will ultimately enable scientists to grow organs and tissues which can be used as implants for patients who suffer from various diseases.
While regenerative medicine is still largely considered as new science, transplanting human organs grown from a Petri dish is no longer confined to the pages of a sci-fi novel. For decades now, scientists from around the world have proven that human organs – such as skin – not only can be cultivated in laboratories, but they can also be successfully implanted in humans. In fact, in 1999, the first-ever successful implantation of lab-grown bladders into seven children suffering from severe bladder malfunction and spina bifida was done in Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina, although the operation was only reported in 2006.
For many, the idea of using engineered tissues and related therapies can be mind-boggling. It is extremely hard to imagine and believe that medicine is at the precipice of completely changing the way conditions and diseases are treated through the help of new technology. Who knows, humans may be just a few years away from achieving medical advancements that have only been imagined in futuristic movies like Gattaca and Elysium.
Read on to gain a better understanding of this exciting new field and learn more about the limitless possibilities it can offer.
Regenerative Medicine 101
As the name implies, regenerative medicine is a field of life science dedicated to technological principles in the regeneration of tissues which, in turn, can be used to develop therapies for various diseases. For the most part, these involve conditions that require replacement or restoration of injured tissues as well as whole organs.
Since its inception, the aim of the specialists in the field is to tap into nature's ability to repair and regrow damaged cells and organs; or, if not possible, to recreate replacement tissues using technology to manage and cure a wide range of debilitating conditions and even aging. Some of the biomedical approaches used in regenerative medicine to achieve these goals are immunomodulation therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering.
How Does It Work?
In order to better understand how regenerative medicine works, think of a salamander and what makes it special. This remarkable amphibian has a special ability to grow back parts of its body. So, if its tail is severed, you don't need to operate on it to put the tail back on. This animal has a wonderful natural ability of healing itself and growing back tissues. Pretty soon, you will see a new tail on the salamander, as if nothing happened at all!
Humans also have the natural ability to regrow tissues. The liver is one example of an organ that can repair itself and regenerate cells as a way of fixing damages caused by injury or disease. If you think about it, broken bones and skin cuts also heal over time. But a human's regeneration ability is extremely limited and only certain cells can do it. Thus, if you accidentally chop off your finger, you can only be hopeful that a surgeon will put it back to its original form and function. Through the help of biotechnology, scientists are hoping to do something about this human flaw.
In regenerative medicine, scientists have gone back to basic biology to put the spotlight on human cells. All living things are made up of cells. In fact, cells are the building blocks of life. So, when organs or tissues are damaged, it can be said that cells are affected and they no longer function as they’re supposed to. To reverse that, scientists are rebuilding the affected cells by using biotechnology and engineering.
This simply means that scientists are working on treatments and therapies with the use of restoration, recreation, and manipulation of cells – specifically stem cells – to manage or even cure complex conditions like aging and cancer. Although 3D-printing a whole new human body with the use of DNA, as per the plot of The Fifth Element, remains farfetched to this day, the use of bio-printed cells and tissues can become a reality in the very near future. In fact, skin cells are now being used to promote faster healing for burn victims.
Regenerative medicine is a developing area of science. While there have been many successes in the field, the science as a whole is far from perfect. Many treatment methods based on regenerative medicine technology have now been approved by regulatory bodies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, doctors and scientists are still learning more applications that can someday be applied to fight more diseases and injuries.
Regenerative Medicine Main Benefits
Intensifies Healing, Lessens Pain
Stem cell treatment basically boosts growth factors in the area where there is injury. By doing so, the rate of healing is intensified, while the level of pain is drastically reduced. In short, regenerative medicine does not only deal with the symptoms of an injury or health condition; it also focuses on fixing the cause of pain in the body. This can be a gamechanger for people who have active lifestyles but are confined by injury or illness. Injured athletes, for instance, can get back in the game without waiting for months or even years.
Improves Movement and Functionality
Patients who have problems with the movement of their joints and other tissues can benefit from regenerative medicine. This treatment method can enhance the production of collagen responsible for strengthening tissues and tendons. As a result, movement of the joints becomes more fluid and natural. With strengthened joints, you are able to move freely and perform a wider range of tasks, no matter how old you are.
Protects Against Pain And Injuries Later On
As tissue regeneration is enhanced and added collagen strengthens the joints, the treated area in the body will no longer be dependent on mechanical devices. The operative word is regeneration. Hence, your tissues will not only recover but will actually renew. It’s as if you get a new set of tissues with better functionality. Your risk of getting injured or suffering chronic pain will therefre be dramatically reduced after treatment.
Shortens Recovery Period
By firing up the body’s regenerative process, this treatment method allows you to heal faster. As a result, you’re out of the hospital or out of bed as quickly as possible; and so, the sooner you can get back to your normal life.
Regenerative Medicine And Stem Cell Treatment
The term regenerative medicine refers to the overarching field or study. Within that field, there are many elements. One of which is stem cell treatment; likely the treatment most people have already heard about.
This treatment involves using stem cells to form new tissues. Stem cells are master cells that can divide and replicate themselves. It should be noted that stem cells can only rebuild the same tissues where they came from. They cannot renew tissues that they are not related to. For instance, skin stem cells cannot be transformed into a new kidney.
One of the well-known treatments that use stem cells is bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves harvesting bone marrow stem cells from a healthy donor that will be transplanted into a patient. The treatment aims to replace and promote the growth of healthy new bone marrow. A variation of this treatment can also be performed via autologous transplant where bone marrow is taken from the patient, which will then be subjected to intensive treatment before being re-implanted into the patient. No matching donors are required.
Certain types of stem cell therapy have received approval from the U.S. FDA. While this treatment method holds a lot of promise, it must be understood that stem cells are not a cure-all for every health condition. Be wary of individuals or facilities that offer stem cell therapy as miracle treatment for all types of diseases.
Regenerative Medicine And Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a relatively new branch of regenerative medicine. This area of treatment, largely in its experimental phase, aims to treat diseases even before they can occur. Instead of traditional medical procedures like surgery or the use of prescription medications, doctors will be able to infuse patients or potential sufferers of diseases with a new gene that will knock out other problematic genes that may cause diseases. If you inherited a disease or are genetically prone to certain disorders, introducing a new healthy gene into your body can help prevent those diseases before they even start.
For now, this method is only used as last resort for rare diseases that cannot be treated by traditional medicine.
Other Types Of Treatments In Regenerative Medicine
Besides stem cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine is also used in treatments like Platelet-rich Plasma, Prolotherapy, and Microfragmented Adipose Injections.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
This regenerative medicine procedure deals with ailments linked to ligaments, tendons, spine, and arthritis. PRP is a non-invasive procedure and is touted to offer permanent solution to the conditions it aims to treat, which include tendon sprains and torn ligaments. The treatment involves injecting a concentration of healthy platelets harvested from the patient into the affected regions. The patient who has undergone the treatment can expect fast healing and pain-free recovery. PRP has also been used to rejuvenate skin and hair, and even promote sexual enhancement.
Proliferation Therapy
Also referred to as Prolotherapy, this treatment method is also designed to repair damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments. What makes this different from PRP is the substances contained in the injection. While PRP uses platelets from the patient’s own blood, Prolotherapy uses an irritant solution to trigger the cells to do restorative work in the affected areas themselves. Patients who suffer from chronic joint and spinal pains can benefit from this procedure. By strengthening connective tissues, prolotherapy can stop the pain and bring back normal movement in the treated areas of the body.
Microfragmented Adipose Injections
This treatment uses the healing properties of Lipogems, a type of fatty tissue in the body. Because it uses fatty tissues, this treatment can last in the affected area without being absorbed by the body. Hence, patients can maximize the reparative benefits of the treatment for a longer time. This procedure is aimed at treating problems in the spine and joints, and can be used against arthritis.
Cord Blood Cell Therapy
This treatment uses blood cells harvested from the placenta and umbilical cord of newborn babies. Studies are currently being performed to explore the application of these blood cells in treating Type 1 diabetes, stimulating cardiovascular regeneration, and repairing damage to the brain and nervous system. Because of the potential benefits that cord blood cells can offer, they have become a promising aspect of regenerative medicine.
Insurance Coverage For Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is largely in its infancy, and so, procedures involved can be expensive. Generally speaking, insurance companies do not cover procedures that they consider to be experimental. Regenerative medicine is among those procedures. Although, some companies may shoulder associated costs like consultation fees in relation to regenerative medicine. Always check with your insurance company to make sure the treatment you need will be covered.
On the bright side, since regenerative medicine is fairly new and many studies are being conducted on it, you can check if your condition will qualify you for voluntary enrollment in clinical trials. Being part of these studies can minimize, if not totally eliminate, the costs you need to pay for your treatment.
Conclusion
Regenerative medicine is the next frontier in modern healthcare. While it’s still too early to call it a miracle cure, it offers many breakthroughs that have been proven to effectively treat diseases and injuries. This field of study allows scientists to take a new look at cells as the building blocks of life. By understanding how cells can be renewed, doctors are able to repair tissues and organs.
Regenerative medicine has changed the way doctors treat their patients. It’s a revolutionary science that might someday eliminate a diverse range of diseases. Science fiction becoming real life; it remains to be seen how we will all benefit.
