No treatment is without complications, and stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury is the same. However, despite its novelty, stem cell therapy has limited side effects if used properly, with comparable side effects to those experienced with regular blood transfusion or foreign organ transplantation (ex. allergic reactions, cell rejection, or fever). Other side effects that have been reported through data analysis include pain, muscle spasms, and some gastrointestinal disturbance. However, most clinical trials report milder side effects that can be managed and rarely lead to premature treatment cessation (11).

When it comes to response to treatment, we will hereby summarize different factors that might affect your loved one’s response to stem cell therapy, and how we at Beike Biotechnology address each factor to ensure that we provide you with the highest efficacy using the safest procedure possible.

• Dose/Number of stem cells: The higher the dose of stem cells – within limits of course – the better the response. At Beike Biotechnology, we administer an optimum dose of around 120-400 Million Cells (depending on the child’s weight).
• Route/Method of administration: Studies have shown that intrathecal injection (through lumbar puncture directly within the brain’s CSF) provides a better response than the traditional intravenous route (which causes stem cells to go to other organs than the brain before reaching the brain). At Beike Technology, we use both intravenous and intrathecal routes concomitantly in order to obtain maximal efficacy; while ensuring the least possible side effects or toxicity.
• Timing of treatment: As previously mentioned, the earlier the stem cell therapy, the better the benefit. We recommend therapy within the first three months – i.e. before the end of the tissue recovery process.
• Type of Stem Cells Used: As previously mentioned, umbilical cord-based mesenchymal stem cells, which we use at Beike Technology, have better-proven efficacy in SCI compared to other types of stem cells.
• Follow-up Time: Significant benefits from stem cell therapy begin appearing around three months after stem cell therapy, and most people reach their full potential around 6-12 months after treatment. At Beike Technology, even after discharge, we provide you with a full follow-up program beginning as early as one month and up to one year after transplantation. You have complete access to our professional team even after you leave our center.