Frequently Asked Questions about our stem cell treatments
General information
Where is the treatment performed?
All treatments are performed at the XCell-Centers in Cologne or Dusseldorf, Germany. This treatment is not offered anywhere else.
How much does it cost?
The price varies depending upon the implantation method(s) employed. Standard procedures and prices are listed below.
- IV – 5,545 Euros
- Lumbar Puncture – 7,545 Euros
- Angiography – 8,925 Euros
- Retrobulbar Injection (both eyes) – 10,545 Euros
There may be additional charges for special cases, such as those involving general anesthesia, multiple implantation methods or infected bone marrow samples (HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C).
Does the price include flights and hotel?
No. The price does not include travel expenses such as air fares, meals, or hotels.
How long will I be in Cologne or Dusseldorf?
You will be in Cologne or Dusseldorf for 5 - 6 days. The entire trip will take 7 or 8 days including travel days.
Will I be hospitalized?
No. Bone marrow collection and stem cell implantation are both out-patient procedures. You will return to your hotel following each procedure. However, hospitalization is available for those who require specialized care (at an additional cost).
Do they speak English at XCell-Center?
Yes. Besides English, the XCell-Center has employees speaking the following languages: Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, Turkish, French, Hungarian, Rumanian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic. For other languages the XCell-Center can organize native speakers.
How does stem cell therapy work?
The biological task of stem cells is to repair and regenerate damaged cells. Stem cell therapy exploits this function by administering these cells systematically and in high concentrations directly into the damaged tissue, where they advance its self-healing. The process that lies behind this mechanism is largely unknown, but it is assumed that stem cells discharge certain substances which activate the diseased tissue. It is also conceivable that single damaged somatic cells, e.g. single neurocytes in the spinal cord or endothelium cells in vessels, are replaced by stem cells. Most scientists agree that stem cell research has great life-saving potential and could revolutionize the study and treatment of diseases and injuries.
Are there ethical concerns surrounding adult stem cell research and therapy?
Because our adult stem cell treatments use stem cells harvested from the patient’s own body ("autologous cells"), there are no ethical or moral concerns.
Bone Marrow Collection (BMC)
How does the doctor get my bone marrow?
About 150-200 ml of your bone marrow is collected from your hip bone by thin-needle mini-puncture using local anesthesia.
Does it hurt?
Some patients experience slight discomfort or pain but nothing severe. The next day, you may have a small bruise at the needle insertion point.
How long does bone marrow collection usually take?
BMC usually takes 30 – 60 minutes.
What is bone marrow? Why does it contain stem cells?
Bone marrow is a specific tissue found inside bones. Its main purpose is to produce stem cells, which give rise to the various blood cell types, especially the white blood cells, the red blood cells and the platelets. Each stem cell can form millions of further stem cells. Most stem cells are found in the bone marrow of the chest, hips, skull, upper arms and legs. If the stem cells develop into fully functional cells, they are released into the blood. A smaller number of undifferentiated stem cells are also found in the bloodstream.
Stem Cell Implantation
How many stem cells will I get?
It is impossible to predict how many stem cells a patient will receive.
What if I don’t get enough stem cells?
In the rare case that your sample does not contain enough stem cells, it might be possible to do another bone marrow collection. The price of an additional bone marrow collection is 2,000 Euros. The doctors will discuss this option with you if another collection is deemed necessary.
How does the doctor implant my stem cells?
The method of stem cell implantation depends on your condition. There are four different ways of administering stem cells:
- Intravenous administration
- Administration via catheter using angiography
- Administration via lumbar puncture
- Direct injection into the target area by way of surgery
What are the risks of adult stem cell therapy?
Usually autologous (from the patient’s own cells) stem cell therapy is free of adverse affects. However, all surgery bears certain risks, from the anesthetic, infection, temporary discomfort, bleeding or wound healing problems. In very rare cases, transient epileptic seizures could occur. The benefits and possible side-effects vary from one disease to the next and between individuals. This should be discussed in detail with the transplant specialist involved in your case.
I heard that injected stem cells could develop into tumors. Is that true?
There is the risk that stem cells not only support the regeneration of diseased somatic cells but also the increase of tumor cells. This risk is greater with the fast-growing embryonic stem cells than with adult stem cells, especially if embryonic stem cells are injected without prior differentiation. Animal testing has not yet found any cancer-causing potential in adult stem cells such as those exclusively used in the XCell-Center.
Medical Evaluation
Is it possible to treat me? How do I get evaluated for treatment?
Step 1: Please fill out our Information Request Form, you will receive an email with more information and a personal link to our online Medical Information Form (MIF). The MIF is on a secure part of our website.
Step 2: The information you provide will be reviewed by a physician in Cologne or Dusseldorf. This normally takes 1 – 5 business days. Once a doctor has screened your medical history, your patient consultant will contact you to tell you the next step in the evaluation process.
Treatment Scheduling
What is a typical treatment schedule?
Typically, your bone marrow will be collected on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Your implantation procedure will then be on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that same week.
Other scheduling options - including separate trips to Cologne or Dusseldorf for collection and implantation - can be arranged if necessary.
Travel Information
Does XCell-Center assist patients with booking flights and hotels?
XCell-Center offers free hotel booking assistance through a German travel agent. On request they can support you with airline tickets as well.
What is the best way to get to Cologne?
You can fly directly into Cologne airport or you can fly into Frankfurt airport and take the ICE high-speed train to Cologne. It takes about 1 hour. The train station is located at Frankfurt airport. International flights also land in Dusseldorf which is about a 30 minute drive to Cologne.
How can I get from the airport to my hotel and then to the clinic and back?
The XCell-Center provides a wheelchair lift equipped van or limousine service for a modest charge. This service is offered to and from airports in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt.
Are meals expensive?
Restaurant prices in Cologne and Dusseldorf are comparable to prices in large US cities.
What is the weather like?
Cologne and Dusseldorf have a pleasant climate with warm summers, mild winters and an average annual rainfall of 760 millimeters (30 inches): between 50 and 75 millimeters (two and three inches) each month. Average temperatures range from around 1° Celsius (34° Fahrenheit) in January to 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) in July and August.
Payment
How do I pay for treatment?
We prefer that you pay by wire transfer at least 14 days before your bone marrow collection. We will provide you with wire transfer instructions. You can also pay at the clinic by major credit card, traveler’s checks or international bank draft. Payment must be made in-full before your treatment can begin.
Request information and receive a brochure to learn more about our stem cell therapy.