Stem Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation: Evidence and Availability

Stem cell therapy encompasses a spectrum from well-established medical treatments to experimental and unproven approaches. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) — commonly called bone marrow transplantation — is the gold standard in this category: a proven, life-saving treatment for haematological malignancies (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome) and non-malignant blood disorders such as severe aplastic anaemia. HSCT replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy donor stem cells — either from a matched sibling, unrelated matched donor (allogeneic HSCT), or the patient's own previously collected cells (autologous HSCT).

At Korea's National Cancer Center and major university hospital haematology departments, HSCT is performed by experienced transplant teams for appropriate patients — primarily for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, which represent the great majority of HSCT indications in Korea's population. Aplastic anaemia, which has a notably higher incidence in East Asian populations than in Western populations, is another significant indication for HSCT in Korea. Korea's transplant programmes provide this service to a high standard nationally, with strong outcomes data.

In contrast, many commercial 'stem cell therapy' clinics — including some operating in Korea and the wider region — offer unproven treatments for conditions such as autism, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and orthopaedic conditions, at high cost and with very limited regulatory oversight. These unproven therapies are not the same as HSCT and carry real risks without established benefit. Patients should only pursue stem cell therapy through licensed, regulated healthcare facilities and should be highly sceptical of clinics charging large fees for unproven 'miracle' treatments.