Stem cell therapy, explained
Understand stem cell therapy
before you decide.
Plain-English education on stem cells in medicine — which uses the FDA has approved, which it hasn't, and the questions to ask before you consider treatment for joints, pain, aesthetics or more.
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Tell us what you need
What you’re looking for, what’s in the way, and how you like to meet — in-office visit, virtual consultation and phone consultation.
02
We match on fit
Specialties, the people they work with, credentials and format. This is a directory and matching service — not medical advice.
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See why each doctor fits. Pick who may contact you — nothing is shared without your say-so.
2 areas of focus
FDA-approved transplant medicine and Regenerative & wellness practices.
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What do you want to work on?
Stem cells explained
What stem cells are, where they come from, and the basic terms used across medicine.
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FDA status & safety
How the FDA regulates stem cell products, the warnings it has issued, and how to protect yourself.
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Blood-forming stem cell transplants
Bone marrow and cord blood transplants — the clearly FDA-approved use of stem cells, and who they're for.
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Joints, back & sports injuries
Stem cell injections for knees, shoulders, tendons and back pain — what's claimed, what's known, and the alternatives.
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Types of stem cell products
MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, umbilical cord and Wharton's jelly products, exosomes and PRP — how they differ.
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Aesthetics & hair restoration
Stem cell and exosome products marketed for skin, anti-aging and hair loss.
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Clinical trials & research
How to find legitimate stem cell research instead of an unproven clinic offering.
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Travel & medical tourism cautions
The added risks of stem cell clinics abroad, and questions to ask before you travel for treatment.
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Who we help
Wherever you’re starting from.
People with blood cancers or blood disorders
to understand FDA-approved stem cell transplants for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma or sickle cell disease
People with knee & joint pain
to understand whether stem cell injections are an option, what the evidence and FDA status are, and who to talk to
People with back & spine pain
spine and pain specialists and clear information on stem cell and injection-based options
Athletes & active adults
faster recovery from tendon, ligament and joint injuries, and honest information about regenerative options
Adults interested in longevity & wellness
honest information on regenerative and longevity-marketed stem cell offerings
People with hair loss
a provider and honest information on stem cell and exosome hair treatments
People comparing regenerative options
to compare MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, PRP and exosome claims honestly before spending money
People considering a clinical trial
legitimate experimental stem cell research instead of an unproven clinic offering
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Doctors, clearly labeled.
- Credentials shown plainly. Licenses, certifications and trainings are listed as each doctor provides them and checked where possible.
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- No tracking for ads. We don’t sell your information or use advertising trackers.
- No miracle promises. This site is educational and is not medical advice. Doctors may not promise outcomes or cures.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is iStemCell a medical provider?
No. iStemCell is an educational website and directory. We explain stem cells in plain English and help you find independent licensed providers. Only a licensed clinician who has evaluated you can say whether any treatment is appropriate.
Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?
It depends entirely on the use. Blood-forming stem cell transplants from cord blood or bone marrow are FDA-approved and used at hospitals to treat certain cancers and blood disorders. Stem cell products marketed for joints, back pain, sports injuries, skin or hair are generally NOT FDA-approved, and the FDA has issued public warnings about unapproved stem cell clinics and products. Ask any provider exactly what product they use and its FDA status.
Can stem cell therapy cure or regrow damaged tissue?
No reputable source can promise that. Outside of FDA-approved blood-forming stem cell transplants, claims that injections 'cure' arthritis, 'regrow' cartilage, reverse aging or regrow hair are not supported by FDA approval. Be skeptical of any provider who guarantees results.
What's the difference between MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, umbilical cord products and exosomes?
These are different product types used across regenerative medicine marketing, and they are processed and regulated differently. Many are not FDA-approved for the conditions they're marketed to treat and may contain few or no living cells after processing. Ask the provider what the product actually is, what the manufacturer says it contains, and its FDA status.
Should I travel abroad for stem cell treatment?
Be cautious. Clinics outside the U.S. may not follow the same safety, sourcing or regulatory standards, and problems are harder to address from a distance. Ask the same questions you'd ask any provider, and get everything about the product, protocol and cost in writing before you travel.
Is a clinical trial a better option?
For many unapproved uses, an FDA-monitored clinical trial (listed at ClinicalTrials.gov) is a more scientifically grounded way to access experimental stem cell treatment than paying a clinic directly, and participants are typically followed closely for safety.
How do providers receive referrals?
Licensed providers can list for free, or reserve an exclusive referral territory — a ZIP code, a state, or the whole country — so that patients in that area who ask for help are connected to them.