Stem Cell Therapy in Finland

Stem cells are primitive cells, found in every living organism, with the capacity to heal tissue damage and make physical changes within the organs. These cells can differentiate into various cell types, regenerate damaged tissues, and modulate immune functions while reducing inflammation. Depending on the body’s physiological needs, stem cells can differentiate into any specific cell type.

Treatments with stem cells in Finland harness the powers of these regenerative cells to their full potential. Strong foundation in stem cell research in Finland and supportive legal framework makes Finland the most favorable place for getting advanced stem cell therapy. 

Let’s examine treatment options in Finland, their types, advantages, regulations, and regulatory framework to support ethical treatments for patients. 

Stem Cell Therapy Options in Finland

Finland offers a wide range of stem cell therapies, focusing on patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Options for stem cell therapy in Finland include: 

• Bone marrow transplants: In Finland, bone marrow transplants are widely used as an effective treatment for blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and others. This procedure involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, either from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant).
• Skin transplants: Finland uses stem cells in skin transplants to treat severe burns, chronic wounds, and other skin conditions. Stem cells, often derived from the patient’s own tissue, are used to regenerate damaged skin, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of scarring. This particularly benefits patients with extensive skin injuries, enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
• Corneal stem cell therapy: Finnish medical centers offer corneal stem cell therapy as a noninvasive and effective treatment for various eye disorders and injuries. This therapy is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from corneal damage due to trauma, chemical burns, or diseases like limbal stem cell deficiency. By transplanting healthy stem cells to the cornea, this helps restore vision, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of healthy corneal tissue.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): In Finland, mesenchymal stem cells are widely used in treating various conditions due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types and modulate the immune system. MSCs are commonly applied in regenerative medicine to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. The aim of stem cell research in Finland is to explore the potential of MSCs in treating more complex conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and enhancing the outcomes of organ transplantation.

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Understanding Different Types of Stem Cells Used in Finland

Stem cells are named after their source of extraction and location or tissue of origin. In Finland, stem cells used for their therapeutic effects are of 4 types:

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are derived from early-stage embryos and have the unique ability to develop into any specialized cell in the body. In Finland, strict ethical guidelines and restrictions are imposed to limit their use to essential research and specific therapeutic interventions. Finnish researchers are exploring the potential of ESCs in treating a range of conditions, such as degenerative diseases and congenital disorders, while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are multipotent cells found in various tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, fat (adipose tissue), and blood. Unlike embryonic stem cells, ASCs are more limited in their differentiation potential but can still develop into many different cell types, particularly those related to their tissue of origin. In Finland, adult stem cells are commonly used in regenerative medicine, particularly for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and certain blood disorders. Their use is favored due to the lower ethical concerns and the ability to harvest these cells from the patient’s own body, reducing the risk of immune rejection.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 

iPSCs are adult stem cells that can be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells, such as skin or blood cells, back into an embryonic-like pluripotent state. In Finland, iPSCs are being widely researched and used as an ethical alternative to embryonic stem cells, offering similar pluripotent capabilities without the associated ethical concerns. iPSCs are utilized in disease modeling, drug testing, and the treatment of various diseases like neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, and diabetes. iPSCs also carry a minimal risk of immune rejection.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are a widely used type of adult stem cell known for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties. MSCs can be sourced from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord tissue, and dental pulp. Their ability to modulate the immune response and promote tissue repair makes them ideal treatments for managing complex conditions where inflammation plays a key role.

Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy

Therapy with stem cells in Finland is the most advanced form of regenerative medicine, and it holds promise to treat many conditions and diseases. For instance:

1. Healing damaged tissues: Stem cells are widely used to regenerate damaged tissues and cells caused by heart disease, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes. Stem cells can differentiate into the specific cell types needed to repair and replace damaged or dead cells, thereby restoring the function of affected organs and tissues.
2. Treating blood disorders: Bone marrow transplants are constantly being used to treat blood disorders and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Stem cells from healthy bone marrow can regenerate the patient’s blood cells, offering a potentially beneficial treatment.
3. Treating neurodegenerative diseases: Stem cells have been found to replace damaged neural cells and nerve endings in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and epilepsy. This helps slow down the progression of these diseases or even restore lost functions. Research in this area is ongoing, but the results so far are promising.
4. Improved wound healing: Stem cells help regenerate wounds fast and effectively. By stimulating the regeneration of skin cells and tissues, stem cells can significantly reduce healing time and improve the quality of the healed tissue, minimizing scarring and complications.
5. Shorter recovery time: Compared to most traditional surgeries, stem cells offer shorter recovery time for treated conditions. Because many stem cell treatments are minimally invasive, patients can often return to their normal activities much sooner than they would after conventional surgeries.
6. Discovering new drugs: Finland utilizes these cells to study various diseases and test drugs. Researchers use stem cells to model diseases in the laboratory, allowing them to test the efficacy and safety of new drugs in a controlled environment. This application not only accelerates the development of new treatments but also reduces the need for animal testing.
7. Noninvasive treatments: Stem cells offer noninvasive treatments for most diseases, unlike traditional surgeries. For many conditions, this means that patients can avoid the risks and complications associated with major surgery, such as infections or extended hospital stays. Instead, stem cell treatments can be administered with minimal discomfort and reduced recovery times, making them a preferable option for many patients.

Financing Stem Cell Therapy in Finland

As robust as the funding system for stem cell research is, financing stem cell therapy in Finland can be quite complex.

Public Healthcare

While standard treatments may be covered by the Finnish national health insurance (KELA), therapies with stem cells in Finland , particularly those that are experimental or non-essential, may not be fully covered. In rare cases where stem cell therapy is deemed essential for the treatment of specific conditions, such as certain blood disorders or cancers, public healthcare might cover a portion of the costs. However, financing in this case requires an extensive approval process.

Private Health Insurance

In Finland, health insurance coverage for stem cell therapy depends on the specific policy and type of treatment. Many insurance companies consider stem cell therapy in Finland experimental, which often results in limited or no coverage. Patients interested in this treatment should consult with their healthcare providers about clinical trial opportunities and discuss coverage options with their insurance companies. For example, Medicare in Finland does cover certain FDA-approved stem cell therapies, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplants for conditions like lymphoma and leukemia.

As research progresses and new therapies are developed, stem cell treatments may become more integrated into Finland’s healthcare system, which leads to broader insurance coverage.

Out-Of-Pocket Payment 

Depending upon the type of therapy and healthcare insurance, patients might have to cover some or the entire cost of their desired therapies with stem cells in Finland on their own. This allows for more immediate access to therapies. However, out-of-pocket expenses for stem cell therapy in Finland can be substantial, depending on the type of treatment and the condition being treated. Costs may range from a few thousand euros to tens of thousands. Some clinics may provide payment plans or financing options to help manage the financial burden. Patients may also explore medical loans to cover costs of treatment.

Clinical trials

Most innovative stem cell therapies that are under clinical trials can be accessed in Finland for partial or no cost. Clinical trials are conducted to test new treatments or approaches to care. To participate in a clinical trial, patients must meet specific eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the study. It is important to note that clinical trials also come with risks, as the safety and efficacy of the therapy may still be under investigation. At the same time, in Finland, clinical trials are usually supported by government institutions, research universities, or pharmaceutical companies, which ensures that they are conducted under strict ethical and safety standards.

Regulations and Ethical Considerations

As regards therapies with stem cells in Finland, the country is committed to ethical sourcing and the legal use of stem cells in both research and treatment operations. 

Regulatory Bodies

• Finnish Medicine Agency (Fimea): Fimea regulates stem cell therapies and research and ensures the safety and efficacy of all medical therapies for the patients.
• National Advisory Board on Biotechnology: This board provides ethical guidance and recommendations for biotechnology and stem cell research Finland.

Regulatory Frameworks

• Stem cell research in Finland is overseen by the Medical Research Act 1999/488. This act governs all medical research involving human participants, including stem cell research also with the use of human embryonic stem cells. It establishes the legal framework for conducting research ethically and ensures that participants’ rights and well-being are protected.
• Act on the Medical Use of Organs and Tissues (2001/101): This act governs the use of human tissues, including stem cells, for medical research and treatment in Finland. It outlines the conditions under which tissues can be collected, stored, and used, with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, including informed consent and respect for donor rights.
• Ethical Guidelines: These guidelines developed by various national bodies, including the Finnish National Ethics Committee, provide a framework for conducting research involving human subjects. These guidelines ensure that ethical standards are maintained in research.
• Gene Technology Act: This act ensures that using genetically modified cells in advanced treatments is regulated and carried out safely and ethically, with consideration for both human health and the environment.

Ethical consideration

• Participants of research with stem cells in Finland provide informed consent, which means they are fully informed about the nature, benefits, and potential risks of the treatment or research and agree to participate voluntarily.
• Only surplus embryos from fertility treatments are used, and their use is limited to within 14 days of development. 
• Patients receiving stem cell therapy in Finland are treated according to high safety and efficiency standards. This includes thorough testing, monitoring, and follow-up to ensure the best possible outcomes while minimizing risks.
• Stem cell therapy is accessible to all members of society regardless of gender and social status.

Innovative Stem Cell Treatment Practices and Leading Clinics in Finland

Stem cell research in Finland is offering a number of innovative stem cell treatments, for instance:

• Corneal regeneration: Stem cell therapy is being used for corneal regeneration, particularly for treating eye disorders and injuries. This therapy involves the use of limbal stem cells (from the healthy eye) to repair and regenerate damaged corneal tissue. A Finnish research team is also working on a stem cell therapy aimed at treating blindness. Using induced pluripotent stem cells they reprogram them into a cell type that promotes corneal regeneration.
• Blood disorders: Finland also provides bone marrow transplants and blood stem cells to treat inherited diseases like hemoglobin disorders, and diseases that develop during life like blood cancers. This procedure involves transplanting healthy hematopoietic stem cells to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow.
• Graft-Versus-Host Disease: The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service has developed allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells to manage refractory graft-versus-host disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.
• Diabetes: The Centre of Excellence in Stem Cell Metabolism at the University of Helsinki aims to develop cellular therapy strategies that target tissue repair, particularly for conditions like diabetes, by modifying stem cell metabolism. Also, research in Finland is exploring the use of stem cells to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, offering potential new therapies for diabetes treatment.
• Neurological disorders:Therapies with stem cells in Finland  are being developed and applied for treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. These therapies focus on regenerating damaged neural cells and improving neurological function.
• Orthopedic diseases: Finland offers stem cell treatments for orthopedic conditions like the regeneration of cartilage, treatment of joint diseases, and repair of musculoskeletal injuries, which is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions.
• Tissue engineering and organ regeneration: Finnish researchers are studying the use of stem cells in tissue engineering to create bioengineered tissues and organs. This way they aim to create large amounts of stem cells that help renew the tissue and support its functions. This research has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of organ failure by providing patients with lab-grown organs for transplantation.

Some of the leading stem cell clinics in Finland include:

• Helsinki University Hospital (HUH): This is the largest and most respected medical center in Finland, offering stem cell therapies in the fields of hematology, oncology, and neurology. The hospital is also a leading center for clinical trials.
• Docrates Cancer Center: This center specializes in advanced cancer treatments, including innovative stem cell transplants.
• Finnish Red Cross Blood Service: This institution plays a significant role in stem cell research and stem cell therapy in Finland. It is the only blood service provider in Finland and operates the Finnish Stem Cell Registry, which keeps information on volunteers. Also, it hosts the Advanced Cell Therapy Center (ACTC) licensed to produce new advanced cell therapy products for clinical use.
• Turku University Hospital (TYKS): TYKS offers stem cell therapies for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries, and conducts research on the use of stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Orton Orthopaedic Hospital: This hospital specializes in musculoskeletal disorders and offers advanced stem cell treatments for orthopedic conditions like joint diseases, cartilage damage, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Choosing a Clinic and Healthcare Professionals in Finland

Choosing the right clinic and medical experts is imperative to the success rate and safety of the patient; when choosing a clinic, consider the clinic that:

• Has a proven track record in stem cell treatment;
• Performs active stem cell research to provide innovative stem treatments;
• Supports effective communication regarding risks, benefits, and costs of the treatment;
• Provides personalized treatment plans based on patient’s needs and condition;
• Utilizes cutting-edge technology;
• Shows patient testimonials and success rates;
• Has qualified healthcare professionals with extensive experience and training in the field.

Conclusion

Stem cell research in Finland has made notable advancements in stem cell treatment for various conditions, including corneal regeneration and treating blood disorders with bone marrow transplants. With a strong regulatory framework, innovative therapies, and constant research, Finland continues to advance the field of regenerative medicine, providing hope and effective solutions for a wide range of medical conditions. Finland’s medical sector abides by stringent national and international regulatory standards and ethical principles ensuring safety for all patients. 

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Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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