What are stem cells?
Stem cells are like your body’s repair team—they can create, repair, and replace other cells. For example, if you cut your finger, stem cells help to grow new skin and heal the wound. When you catch a cold, your blood stem cells produce white blood cells to fight off the infection.
Stem cells are also responsible for everyday maintenance. Even now, as you’re reading this, stem cells are working to renew the lining of your digestive system, replace aging skin cells, and keep your blood supply fresh. Because stem cells can adapt to almost any task, regenerative medicine uses them to tackle numerous conditions—from rebuilding damaged heart tissue after a heart attack to regenerating brain cells in Parkinson’s patients.
💡 Hear from regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Isabella Bernaschina:
▶️ Watch Bookimed's exclusive interview with Dr. Bernaschina here.
How does stem cell therapy for psoriasis work?
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Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease. Stem cell therapy targets the root cause of psoriasis: a misfiring immune system that leads to chronic inflammation and overproduction of skin cells.
Here’s how it can treat psoriasis:
- Immune system reset. Stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, release signaling molecules that calm overactive immune cells. They reduce inflammation and help restore balance to the immune system.
- Inflammation control. Stem cells produce substances that reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines—proteins responsible for the redness, swelling, and irritation in psoriatic skin.
- Skin repair. Stem cells help repair damaged skin by stimulating the growth of healthy cells and encouraging proper cell turnover. This reduces the thick, scaly patches caused by abnormal skin cell production.
- Immune regulation. Over time, stem cells retrain the immune system to stop attacking healthy skin, addressing the autoimmune nature of psoriasis.
What are the benefits of stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
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✅ Reduced symptoms. Stem cells decrease inflammation and regulate the immune system, leading to milder plaques, less redness, and less irritation.
✅ Delayed appearance of skin lesions. By calming overactive immune cells, stem cells help slow down the formation of new lesions and extend periods of clear skin.
✅ Faster recovery of skin lesions. Through tissue repair and regeneration, stem cells speed up the healing process for existing plaques.
✅ Targets the root cause. Unlike topical treatments that only reduce symptoms, stem cells work to retrain the immune system. They directly address the autoimmune triggers behind psoriasis.
✅ Long-lasting results. As stem cells work to heal the immune system, this may lead to prolonged remission or fewer flare-ups over time.
✅ Fewer side effects. Stem cell therapy uses the human body’s own regenerative processes. As a natural treatment, it typically has fewer risks than medications that suppress the immune system.
✅ Comprehensive treatment. Stem cell therapy may also help with related conditions like psoriatic arthritis by addressing systemic inflammation.
How effective is stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
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Here's what research and real cases tell us about the therapeutic potential of stem cells:
👉 Long-lasting remission. Psoriasis patients who received hematopoietic stem cells from a donor experienced remission lasting up to 20 years.
👉 Improved disease course. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, so recurrence is common even with the best treatments. However, after stem cell therapy, it usually returns in a much milder form. Psoriatic patients who relapsed within 2-13 years still experienced far less severe symptoms.
👉 Dramatic skin improvement. In one clinical trial, nearly half of the patients saw at least 40% improvement in their psoriasis. Over a third experienced more than 75% improvement. 17.6% of patients had no sign of the disease.
👉 Quality of life improvement. In one case study, the patient’s quality of life improved by 89% after receiving mesenchymal stem cells (according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index). Within 4 months, his psoriasis was almost entirely gone.
👉 Full recovery documented. Multiple studies have documented cases where psoriatic skin lesions completely cleared after treatment.
👉 Effectiveness in severe psoriasis. In a case study, a 19-year-old with severe plaque psoriasis resistant to other treatments saw his skin completely clear after 6 stem cell infusions. Three years later, he was still free of symptoms.
What types of stem cells can treat psoriasis, and where are they taken from?
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Several types of stem cells can help treat psoriasis:
- Hematopoietic stem cells, which develop into blood cells and reset the immune system.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (or mesenchymal stromal cells), which can develop into bone and tissue cells and reduce inflammation.
- Regulatory T cells, which control your immune response.
Stem cells are most commonly taken from bone marrow, which doctors extract through a hip bone. However, mesenchymal stem cells can also be sourced from other tissues, such as:
- adipose tissue (fat);
- umbilical cord tissue;
- dermal tissue;
- gingival tissue (gums);
- dental pulp (inside teeth);
- placenta and amniotic membrane;
- tonsils.
Can stem cell therapy treat psoriatic arthritis as well?
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Yes, stem cell therapy has shown positive results for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), especially in cases where traditional treatments haven’t worked. Here are a few real-world examples:
👉 A patient with psoriatic arthritis experienced a 58% reduction in symptoms after 2 stem cell infusions.
👉 Another patient’s arthritis stabilized, and his psoriatic symptoms improved dramatically, leaving only mild scaling on his scalp.
👉 In one severe case, a patient’s psoriatic arthritis symptoms completely disappeared after an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (a form of stem cell therapy). Both joint pain and skin lesions were no longer an issue.
Am I a good candidate for stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
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Stem cell therapy may be suitable for you if:
- You have moderate to severe psoriasis that significantly affects your daily life.
- Your condition hasn’t responded to traditional treatments like topical creams, biologics, or light therapy.
- You’re in generally good health, without severe infections, active cancers, or other major health conditions that could interfere with treatment.
- You’re patient and have realistic expectations—stem cell therapy is not an instant fix. Improvements may take months as your body responds to the treatment and repairs itself.
- You want a long-term solution that addresses the underlying causes of psoriasis rather than just managing symptoms.
If you’re still unsure, leave a request on the Bookimed website to get a free professional consultation. A doctor will review your medical history, current treatments, and overall health. Together, you will determine if stem cell therapy is right for you and create a personalized treatment plan.
How much does stem cell therapy for psoriasis cost?
The final cost of stem cell therapy for psoriasis depends on the location, clinic, and how many injections you need. Because psoriasis is a recurring condition, patients often need multiple sessions (from 2 to 6) to regulate the immune system, manage flare-ups and remissions, and repair damaged skin.
📈 In the USA, costs can reach $300,000 for hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). Costs can be highly unpredictable since stem cell therapy for psoriasis is not regulated in the country, and clinics set their own prices.
📉 In countries like Ukraine, stem cell therapy is much more affordable, ranging from $1,500 (for 2 injections) to $10,000 (4 injections and more). These lower prices are due to streamlined regulations, lower operational and labor costs, and a lower cost of living.
Where can I get stem cell treatment for psoriasis?
If you’re considering stem cell therapy for psoriasis, it’s crucial to choose a reliable clinic in a country where such treatments are well-regulated. In the US, stem cell therapies for psoriasis are not yet FDA-approved. This has led to a rise in unregulated providers offering unproven and expensive treatments.
In contrast, several countries have established regulated frameworks for stem cell therapy, including:
- Mexico;
- Colombia;
- Turkey;
- Thailand;
- Ukraine.
🔦 Spotlight
Among the above destinations, Ukraine stands out as a location for EmCell Therapy Center, the world’s pioneer in stem cell therapy:
- EmCell is the world’s only clinic fully dedicated to fetal stem cell treatments.
- It houses the first licensed fetal stem cell bank, guaranteeing quality and safety.
- The clinic’s unique freezing technology preserves over 20,000 live and proliferative fetal stem cells for effective therapies.
How to choose a reliable clinic for stem cell psoriasis treatment?
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Picking the right clinic for stem cell therapy is a big decision, and it’s important to know what to look for. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
🤔 Is the clinic regulated? Make sure the clinic is in a country where stem cell therapies are approved by health authorities.
🤔 Do they specialize in stem cell therapy? Look for clinics with experience treating autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Clinics focusing specifically on stem cells are more likely to deliver better outcomes.
🤔 Are the doctors qualified? Make sure the clinic has experienced medical professionals trained in regenerative medicine.
🤔 What kind of stem cells are they using? Clinics can use different cell types—mesenchymal or hematopoietic stem cells, from a donor or your own body, etc. It’s worth asking how the cells are sourced and preserved to make sure they meet high standards.
🤔 Are the facilities well-equipped? Look for clinics with advanced technologies and medical equipment. Modern cryostorage and laboratory facilities are signs of a clinic’s commitment to quality.
🤔 What do other patients say? Reviews and success stories can give you a good idea of what to expect. Look for real examples of psoriasis patients who’ve seen results.
🤔 Do they offer clear pricing? Be cautious of vague costs. A good clinic will give you a clear breakdown of what’s included and how much it will cost.
Lastly, pay attention to how the clinic handles consultations. A professional clinic should take the time to review your medical history and explain what results you can realistically expect. It’s okay to ask a lot of questions—you’re investing in your health, so make sure you feel confident in your choice.
What is the procedure for stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
1️⃣ Medical evaluation. Your doctor will do a physical exam and blood tests to make sure you’re healthy enough for the therapy.
2️⃣ Stem cell collection. Stem cells are either taken from your own body (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic). The blood containing the stem cells is processed through a special filtering machine to isolate the cells.
3️⃣ Stem cell transplantation. The stem cells are delivered into your body through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion. This step takes a few hours and doesn’t require anesthesia. If the stem cells are taken from adipose tissue, doctors can inject them directly into the tissue of each psoriasis plaque for targeted treatment.
4️⃣ Post-procedure care. If you receive donor cells, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants to prevent rejection. Although clinics can perform the treatment on an outpatient basis, you might stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure the procedure is successful.
How long does it take to see results from stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
Results from stem cell treatment for psoriasis can take time, as the cells work gradually to regulate the immune system and repair damaged skin. Some psoriatic patients start noticing gradual changes after a few weeks. However, improvements are more noticeable after 3 to 4 months.
Can stem cell therapy cure psoriasis completely?
Stem cell therapy is not a guaranteed cure for a chronic autoimmune disease like psoriasis. While stem cells can regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, they don’t eliminate the underlying tendency for the disease to recur.
That said, the therapy can:
- Provide long remission. Some psoriasis patients have experienced years—even decades—of symptom-free periods.
- Improve symptoms significantly. Even if psoriasis does not clear completely or returns, patients experience reduced disease severity, fewer flare-ups, and better quality of life.
Results depend on many individual factors, so it’s essential to discuss options with your doctor and set realistic expectations.
Are there any risks or side effects connected to stem cell therapy for psoriasis?
Clinical studies and case reports show that stem cell therapy for psoriasis is safe. However, like any medical procedure, it can have potential side effects.
Most reported adverse reactions are mild and temporary, resolving within 24 hours. These may include:
- low fever;
- chest tightness;
- dizziness;
- mild abdominal pain;
- sore throat (pharyngitis);
- minor changes on an ECG.
The best way to minimize risks is to choose a reliable and experienced healthcare provider. With its network of 1,500+ verified clinics, Bookimed can connect you with experts and help you find a safe option that fits your needs and budget.
What are other treatments for psoriasis?
Several other psoriasis treatments can help reduce clinical symptoms of the disease:
🧴 Topical treatments. Creams and ointments like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and salicylic acid help reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
💊 Systemic medications. These include pills or injections like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept) that target specific parts of the immune system.
☀️ Phototherapy (light therapy). Exposes the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light to slow down the overactive production of skin cells.
Psoriasis treatment plans typically involve a combination of topical and oral medications. Since psoriasis is a chronic condition, patients must use these medications continuously to treat psoriasis symptoms. Once you stop using them, symptoms can return quickly. In contrast, a few injections of stem cells can provide years of relief.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Stem cells: What they are and what they do. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
- Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. (2022). Stem cell therapy as a potential treatment option for psoriasis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9263669/
- Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine. (2020). Successful Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis with Allogeneic Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Case Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7142341/
- Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. (2022). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for psoriasis: a phase 1/2a, single-arm study. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-01059-y
- World Journal of Clinical Cases. (2021). Psoriasis treatment using minimally manipulated umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8362539/
- Aging and disease. (2024). Expert Consensus on the Application of Stem Cells in Psoriasis Research and Clinical Trials. https://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2024.0012
- Cell Transplantation. (2016). Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Case Report. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3727/096368916X691998