Stem Cell Treatment for CKD

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment

Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine approach that uses stem cells to rebuild, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. It is used in a variety of branches of medicine, including orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, and oncology.

Types of Stem Cell Therapy

Autologous Stem Cell Therapy: Uses the patient's stem cells.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Therapy: Uses donor stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells: Derived from embryos; have high regenerative capability.

Adult Stem Cells (Mesenchymal Stem Cells - MSCs): Found in bone marrow, fat tissue, and umbilical cord blood.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Lab-generated stem cells from adult cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stem Cell Treatment​

Stem cell therapy is being considered a possible treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) by facilitating kidney regeneration, decreasing inflammation, and slowing down disease progression. It is currently in clinical trial phases and not yet an accepted treatment.

Types of Stem Cell Transplant for Kidney Disease​

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (Self-Donated)

Stem cells are harvested from the patient's own bone marrow or fat tissue. Less risk of immune rejection.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (Donor-Derived)

Stem cells are derived from a healthy donor (umbilical cord, bone marrow, or blood). May carry a risk of immune rejection.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

Applied in rare instances of autoimmune kidney disease (e.g., lupus nephritis). Functions by replacing dysfunctional immune cells with healthy ones.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy 

Used most frequently in clinical trials for CKD. Anti-inflammatory and regenerative qualities slow down kidney damage.

Stem Cell Clinical Trials for CKD​

Stem cell therapy is being actively explored as a potential cure for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), with numerous clinical trials underway to ascertain its safety and efficacy.

Preclinical and Early Clinical Findings

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Mesenchymal Stem Cells have the capacity to safeguard against renal damage and promote recovery in the kidney by means of immunomodulation and paracrine secretion. Initial clinical trials have confirmed the safety of MSC infusions and that they may offer an improvement in renal function in the case of CKD patients.

Considerations and Challenges

While these findings are promising, stem cell therapy for CKD is still experimental. Challenges remain in the coming years to guarantee survival and integration of transplanted cells, determining the best dosing regimens, and conducting large-scale trials to prove long-term safety and efficacy. Stem cell therapies for kidney disease are not yet FDA-approved.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Kidney Repair

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a hopeful regenerative treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) because they can decrease inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and induce kidney regeneration.

Why MSCs for Kidney Repair?

Anti-Inflammatory Effects – MSCs decrease inflammation that leads to kidney damage.

Tissue Regeneration – They release growth factors that stimulate kidney cell repair.

Anti-Fibrotic Properties – Prevent scarring of the kidneys (fibrosis).

Immune Modulation – Suppress harmful immune reactions in autoimmune kidney disorders (e.g., lupus nephritis).

Improved Blood Flow – Facilitate vascular repair, improving kidney function.​

How MSC Therapy is Effective for Kidney Repair

Stem Cell Harvesting – MSCs are extracted from bone marrow, fat, or umbilical cord tissue.

Processing & Expansion – Cells are cleansed and amplified in a laboratory.

Delivery Methods:

Intravenous (IV) Infusion – Most used method, which permits MSCs to penetrate injured kidney tissues.

Direct Injection into the Kidney – Less frequent, typically for extreme damage.

Post-Treatment Monitoring – Patients are monitored for improvements in kidney function and immune response.

Factors Affecting Stem Cell Therapy Cost for CKD​

Some factors may influence the total cost of stem cell therapy:

Type of Stem Cells: The origin and processing of the stem cells may influence the price.​

Treatment Protocol: How many infusions or injections are needed.​

Medical Facility: The hospital’s or clinic's reputation and location.​

Additional Services: Services included such as accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Effectiveness of Stem Cell Treatment in Kidney Disease

​Stem cell therapy, especially with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has been considered as a potential treatment for kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials have shown that MSCs have reparative and protective effects on kidney injury. Functionally, MSCs exert anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and immunomodulatory activities through secreting trophic factors and delivering extracellular vesicles.

Stem Cell Treatment Centers for Kidney Disease​

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi

Stem Cell Therapy Success Rates in CKD​

Stem cell therapy, specifically with the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has been explored as a candidate treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although preclinical models and early-stage clinical trials have shown positive results, including enhanced kidney function and inflammatory decreases.

Future of Stem Cell Treatment in Kidney Disease

The future of stem cell therapy in the treatment of kidney disease is highly promising with technological advances and research opening new doors for new treatments.

Advances in Stem Cell Research for Kidney Diseases

Current research has focused on the regenerative ability of stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in treating renal damage. These cells have been found to be capable of modulating inflammation and tissue repair in preclinical models.

Emerging Techniques and Innovations

Novel approaches are being established for the efficient treatment of the cell therapies:
Organoids and Laboratory-grown Kidney Tissues : Organoids created from human pluripotent stem cells that reproduce the development of kidney and functions can be achieved by scientists. Organoids act as models in kidney diseases to study them further. It may eventually become an application for the next generation transplant therapy.

Gene Editing Strategies: Application of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR in combination with stem cell technology offers avenues for correcting the genetic mutations responsible for kidney diseases and opening the door to personalized treatment strategies.

Even though stem cell therapy for kidney ailments is still in experimental stages, ongoing clinical trials are being done to establish their safety and efficacy. Institutions like the Harvard Stem Cell Institute work tirelessly to develop new therapies to repair kidney damage, which can restrict the application of dialysis and transplantation.