Understanding Autologous Stem Cell Transplant:
Who wants to live forever?

A medical breakthrough introduced to refresh the basic building blocks of life, targeting directly and precisely whatever ails you. Building blocks that combat regenerative diseases before they’re serious enough to kill, leaving you free of diseases, with no side effects. Cells that stimulates brain neurons damaged by Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Florencio Lucero, a renowned plastic surgeon based in the Philippines, has thrown his weight behind a campaign to promote the science of Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, the latest treatment shown to dramatically reduce today's big killers – diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke and even aging itself – which would mean longer lives for us.

Dr. Lucero, a top-notch senior plastic surgeon based at the Cardinal Santos Hospital, recently announced an exclusive collaboration with world-renowned regenerative medical scientist and longevity expert, Dr. Bill Paspaliaris of StemTech Ltd., to offer the latest breakthrough in holistic medical rejuvenation, a treatment called Autologous Stem Cell Transplant. With over 25 years of medical experience, Dr. Lucero is considered as the country’s premier key opinion leader in the field of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery and holds various positions in the medical specialty societies.

Dr. Lucero recently gave WELL-BEING this exclusive interview:

WB: Kindly explain to our readers what are stem cells?

DR. LUCERO: Stem cells are the basic building blocks of life, the basic cell from which our bodies are made. They are formed at conception and specialized to form the different tissues of the body, from muscles, nerves, organs, bone, blood, fat, and so on…

When do we use the body’s stem cells?

We tap into our body’s stem cell to repair and replace injured or diseased tissue. Unfortunately, our reserve is finite and as it becomes depleted, the regenerative power of our body decreases and we succumb to diseases, disorders and the ravages of aging. We probably experienced faster healing and shorter downtime after an illness during our younger years.

What are the sources of stem cells?

From one’s own body, there are three sources that can be tapped clinically. There are the bone marrow, peripheral blood and fat or adipose tissue. The best source to harvest stem cell from one’s body is FAT, because it is rich in mesenchymal stem cell and more than 100 times more stem cells can be harvested as compared to other sources such as the bone marrow.

What is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant?

This medical procedure is the harvesting of dormant 100 cc of the patient’s own fat through liposuction. The harvested fats are broken down and centrifuged to get the dormant stem cells at the bottom of the test tubes. These stem cells are incubated in stimulating growth factors and infused back into the patient intravenously. The whole procedure takes up to four hours in the operating room under local anesthesia. It takes about an hour to harvest, three hours to process,incubate and stimulate the stem cells and to infuse them back to the patient.

What indications can Autologous Stem Cell Transplant be most beneficial?

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant holds great promise against a wide variety of degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, spinal cord injuries and even aging itself. Aside from treating diseases, its beneficial side effect is rejuvenation in terms of looking younger, feeling stronger and improved sexual function and potency. Scientists are now working on countering th e effects of aging to enable man to live past the age of 100, allowing man to become more productive in the second half of life. This latest breakthrough is one example.

How long has stem cell research been going on?

The Institute for Regenerative Medicine, founded in Russia, has been in the research and development of the clinical uses of stem cells for over 35 years. There are about 2,000 patients protocol and outcomes. Currently, there are about 200 doctors, medical specialists, scientists, etc. who share experience and proprietary knowledge on the science of stem cells. The first Congress on Stem Cell in fact will only be held this December 15 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Are there any moral or religious issues with regards to Autologous Stem Cell Transplant?

Absolutely none. The procedure uses the patient’s own stem cells (therefore, the term autologous) which will be harvested from abdominal fat. Furthermore, there are no matching issues involved since the stem cells are taken from you and back to you.

Are there any other doctors in the Philippines performing a similar procedure?

None. The Autologous Stem Cell Transplant is an exclusive collaboration between our medical group, Asian Plastic Surgery Center, and StemTech Ltd. Hong Kong headed by scientist Dr. Bill Paspaliaris.

How does Autologous Stem Cell Transplant differ from the SCAG (Stem Cell Auto Grafting) procedure offered by other known aesthetic practitioners?

SCAG is a procedure used to fill up and improve facial muscles and contour for cosmetics purposes. It is not used for any purpose other than its main function as a natural filler to enhance one’s physical look. It is also injected subcutaneously and purely as a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure. Currently, we do not offer this procedure as numerous irregularities have been reported.

On the other hand, Autologous Stem Cell Transplant is used for regenerative purposes. A potent mixture of growth factor activates these stem cells; is injected back into a patient intravenously, and these stem cells then travel through the blood stream to find organs/systems, differentiating into cells/tissues that needs immediate repair. The effects are beneficial to a patient’s overall well being. Autologous Stem Cell Transplant is evolving to be the best alternative solution yet to improving and managing degenerative diseases.

(Dr. Florencio Lucero can be contacted at the Asian Plastic Surgery Center, Room 156, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Wilson St., Greenhills San Juan. For more information, visit www.plasticsurgeryphil.com.)


SOURCE: Manila Bulletin