Which Stem Cell Treatments are Available for Liver Disorders in India?

Liver Regeneration with Stem Cell Therapy in India

Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease, are major health concerns globally. In India, where liver transplants are expensive and donor organs are scarce, Stem Cell Therapy has emerged as a promising alternative or "bridge" treatment. Advanced research institutes and hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are using a patient's own bone marrow cells to stimulate liver regeneration and improve function.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available treatments, the costs involved, the legal landscape governed by the ICMR, and the top hospitals leading this research in this year.

Which stem cell treatments are available?

India focuses primarily on autologous therapies (using the patient's own cells) to minimise rejection risks. The two main approaches are:

• Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): Extracted from bone marrow. These cells can differentiate into hepatocytes (liver cells) and help repair damaged tissue. This is the most widely researched method in Indian government hospitals.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Sourced from bone marrow or umbilical cord tissue. These are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce liver scarring (fibrosis) and inflammation in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis.

What is the cost of liver stem cell therapy in India?

Compared to a full liver transplant (which can cost ?25 Lakhs to ?35 Lakhs+), stem cell therapy is a more affordable option for patients who may not be immediate candidates for transplant.

Is it a substitute for a Liver Transplant?

It is crucial to have realistic expectations. Stem cell therapy works best in patients who still have some functional liver tissue. It can improve symptoms (like ascites and jaundice) and liver function scores (MELD score) for 6-12 months, buying valuable time for patients waiting for a donor organ.

Is stem cell therapy legal in India?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) regulates the industry. While stem cell transplants are standard for blood cancers, their use for liver disease must follow strict research guidelines. Patients should always confirm that the hospital has approval from its Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR).

Which are the best hospitals?

ILBS is a dedicated liver and biliary institute run by the government of Delhi and is a pioneer in hepatic regenerative medicine research. Private hospital chains like Apollo and Medanta also have advanced regenerative medicine departments offering these procedures under expert supervision.

What is the procedure?

• Step 1: Harvesting. About 100-200ml of bone marrow is aspirated from the patient's hip bone.
• Step 2: Processing. The sample is processed in a GMP-certified lab to isolate and concentrate the stem cells (CD34+ cells).
• Step 3: Infusion. An interventional radiologist guides a catheter through the femoral artery to the hepatic artery (which feeds the liver) and injects the stem cells directly into the organ.