Muscular dystrophy

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Muscular dystrophy treatment with stem cells promotes muscle recovery and mobility.

Muscle bundles and surrounding connective tissue — illustration
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Stem cell treatment for Muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disease with approximately 30 variations (9 major types and subtypes), all of which can lead to both muscle weakness and muscle loss due to defects in muscle proteins that lead to the death of muscle cells and tissues and their replacement by adipose tissue. The MD types may differ in their onset (in childhood, youth, or from the mid to late thirties), but they are all genetic diseases with similar symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Most MD types are multisystem disorders that affect not only the muscles, but also the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, as well as endocrine glands, eyes, and brain. This genetic disease is different from other conditions because there is currently no way to treat it as it is encoded in the person's DNA.

How is our stem cell transplant for diabetes mellitus performed in Istanbul?

Our stem cell treatment for Muscular Dystrophy uses allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells obtained from an exclusive cryopreservation process that ensures more than 97% viability at the time of transplant. This is combined with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy to achieve optimal functional properties in the regeneration process of the affected tissues. This is the most effective process available in Istanbul and complies with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), national and international standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Association Tissue Bank (AATB) and official Turkish standards correspond to the General Health Act.

Expert stem cell treatment led by Uzm. Dr. Cihan Bolat, MD

Our regenerative treatments are led by Uzm. Dr. Cihan Bolat, MD, Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation · Regenerative Medicine. We use mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue and Wharton’s jelly, and exosomes. Our medical team reviews each patient’s health and medical history to assess treatment suitability and discuss the available options.

A closer look

Muscular dystrophy

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Muscular dystrophy

How does our stem cell treatment process for muscular dystrophy work?

All our stem cell treatments at Istanbul Stamcel are assessed and administered by specialists who specialise in the respective condition and have been trained in the United States and Turkey. We do this not only with general practitioners to ensure the highest level of precision, understanding of the condition and quality of treatment for you. We are 100% clear and honest with you.

Not everyone is eligible for our stem cell treatments. We turn away many patients after our specialist has evaluated your current health status and medical history and determined that the treatment is not appropriate, to avoid false promises or expectations when the risks outweigh the benefits. For this reason and to ensure your safety in all our treatments, each patient is assessed by the specialist before you can plan your treatment.

  1. Step 1.

    Specialist assessment

    Our specialist in Muscular Dystrophy will evaluate your age and previous medical treatments. In addition, the specialist will perform important medical tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), a complete blood count (CBC), and a hemoglobin A1C test (HbA1C).

  2. Step 2.

    Telephone Consultation with the Specialist (Free)

    After reviewing your medical information and approving your case, we will present treatment options and pricing. We also offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your questions and concerns.

  3. Step 3.

    Stem cell preparation

    Once you decide to undergo our treatment, we will send a deposit invoice to begin the stem cell preparation process. This ensures that the stem cells are ready for your planned treatment. The duration of this process varies depending on demand and availability, but can take 5-10 days.

  4. Step 4.

    Treatment day

    On the day of treatment, you can choose to come to our hospital location or use our free round-trip transportation from any point within our hospital location in Istanbul. Our driver will pick you up at your desired location and accompany you to our clinic, where the specialist will administer your treatment, and then take you back.

  5. Step 5.

    Follow-up care

    Our follow-up specialist will contact you according to our follow-up schedule to ensure you have all the resources you need for maximum benefits.

Your life comes first

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Your questions, your wishes and your everyday life. That is where our conversation begins.

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Frequently asked questions

What symptoms are associated with Muscular Dystrophy?

The symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy can vary, but often include muscle weakness, walking difficulties, breathing problems and loss of independence.

Who will assess and treat me?

Before deciding, confirm who will carry out your assessment, treatment and follow-up. Ask for the treating doctor’s name, specialty and relevant experience so you know whom to contact with medical questions.

Can stem cell therapy help treat Muscular Dystrophy?

Potential outcomes vary between people and treatment protocols. Your assessment should cover specific goals, the available research and the remaining uncertainties. Agree on when and how results will be assessed. Another patient’s experience cannot reliably predict your own outcome.

Describe which daily activities are difficult and which changes you want to discuss. A clear baseline helps track progress.

How much does treatment cost, and what is included?

The existing indicative price for this treatment is €8,000–€10,900. Your final proposal depends on the medical assessment and the agreed treatment plan.

Before booking, request a written quotation covering treatment, tests, transport and follow-up. Confirm whether travel, accommodation, extra sessions and additional care are included. Insurance reimbursement is not automatic; check this with your insurer in advance.

Research & insight

The science behind the possibilities.

Selected publications for Muscular dystrophy

Explore what was actually studied and how the findings relate to this treatment.

Phase I · safety2025

Wharton’s jelly MSCs in Duchenne dystrophy

This safety study followed six children for twelve weeks. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred, but functional tests showed no significant improvement.

Wharton’s jelly MSCs

Read on PubMedPMID 39778566
Study details
Reference
Lee J et al. J Clin Neurol, 2025.
DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2024.0299
Material studied
Wharton’s jelly MSCs
Exploratory patient study2021

Observational research in muscular dystrophy

Some strength measurements improved in 22 patients receiving intravenous and/or intrathecal MSCs. Without a control group, treatment effects cannot be reliably established.

Wharton’s jelly MSCs

Read on PubMedPMID 34313400
Study details
Reference
Świątkowska-Flis B et al. Stem Cells Transl Med, 2021.
DOI: 10.1002/sctm.21-0027
Material studied
Wharton’s jelly MSCs
How should you read these studies?

We select research by condition, cell source and administration, prioritising cord tissue and Wharton’s jelly. This is not a systematic review. A matching cell source does not mean preparation, dose or protocol matches our treatment. Extracellular vesicles, isolated exosomes and secretome are different preparations. Animal and laboratory research explores possible mechanisms; a trial protocol contains no results yet. PubMed inclusion is not treatment approval.

Sources checked: .

Relevance to your situation depends on diagnosis, product and treatment plan.

Discuss the research at your consultation

A personal journey. Support at every step.

From your first question to your return home. Explore the consultation, preparation and follow-up.

Understanding your situation
Understanding your situation
Step 01 — Getting to know you

It starts with your story.

Discuss your questions and the information needed for your evaluation. Your medical history and expectations are our starting point.

Start with your question
From proposal to travel
From proposal to travel
Step 02 — Preparing together

Plan your next step.

Discuss the treatment proposal, travel, accommodation and transfers. Agree on the practical arrangements before your visit.

Discuss your preparation
After your return
After your return
Step 03 — Care & follow-up

Attention that goes further.

Agree on treatment and follow-up arrangements, including whom to contact after you return home and which information to take with you.

Ask about follow-up care

Your first question is enough.

Ask about the treatment, costs or your journey. We can discuss what your next step might be.

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