Voice of a Physician Using
Cells in Treatment

Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo

Associate Professor Taku Saito

What sparked your interest in stem cell therapy

I was, of course, aware of stem cell therapy. However, at the time, the mechanisms underlying this were not well understood; therefore, I was not initially interested in it. However, when Japan's Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine was enacted, which allowed clinical treatment, Dr. Shinsaku Tsuji contacted me. Reviewing the literature on adipose- derived stem cells, I observed that while certain therapeutic effects could be expected, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Since I have been researching the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis, I decided to explore this largely unknown area of stem cell therapy. Currently, I conduct clinical treatments at the Ochanomizu Cell Clinic, a regenerative medicine-focused orthopedic clinic, and I am pursuing basic research on stem cell therapy at the University of Tokyo.

Feedback from patients who received treatment using TOPs cells

For patients for whom conservative treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections (covered by insurance) do not effectively alleviate pain and those who do not yet need or want surgical treatments such as joint replacement are often pleased with this option. However, the efficacy of the treatment varies among patients. Although the treatment works well for some patients, the degree of improvement and the duration of the effects vary, as observed daily in my practice. Given the significant cost of treatment, I carefully explained to each patient what effects they could expect based on imaging findings before proceeding with stem cell therapy. However, there have been some cases, particularly among patients in advanced stages of osteoarthritis, in whom the results did not meet expectations. I do not believe this treatment will earn a perfect score for every patient.

What is most important when explaining stem cell therapy to patients

Medical explanations are important, but I particularly focus on thorough conversations on understanding patients’ lifestyles and values and the kind of life they hope to lead. I then align the patients’ expectations with the potential outcomes of stem cell therapy before proceeding with the treatment. Stem cell therapy is not a miracle cure that will satisfy everyone; therefore, through counseling, I ensure that patients clearly understand the reality of treatment. The more advanced the joint deformity, the less effective the treatment, and the therapy will restore the joint to its youthful, healthy state. I explained to the patients that the goal was to alleviate symptoms by harnessing the power of the cells and not returning the joint to normal.

Future outlook

Stem cell therapy is not yet a dream treatment that can satisfy everyone; therefore, I plan to continue researching ways to improve the performance and mechanisms of stem cells to enhance their therapeutic outcomes. Through clinical practice and research, I aim to further refine and enhance stem cell performance.

Medical Corporation Keiseikai
Touyama Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Director: Dr. Takuya Touyama

Start dates of treatment and targeted diseases

April 25, 2018 - "Localized injection therapy using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for age-related changes in the skin"
June 11, 2018 - "Treatment of joint pain and osteoarthritis using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells"
October 23, 2018 - "Intravenous injection therapy using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for sequelae of cerebral infarction"」
October 7, 2021 - "Intravenous injection therapy using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for refractory atopic dermatitis"

Stem cell therapy using TOPs cells

Even doctors with little experience in using scalpels can easily collect the required samples using a TOPs biopsy needle. From my treatment experience, I feel that proactive and positive patients tend to have a higher chance of experiencing therapeutic benefits. This is particularly true for osteoarthritis and the sequelae of cerebral infarction, where posttreatment rehabilitation plays a significant role in the effectiveness of therapy. At our clinic, we provide rehabilitation guidance to physical therapists. For patients with osteoarthritis, we offer fully customized insoles that are included in the treatment costs to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Patients treated at our clinic have provided feedback that they can run again (for osteoarthritis of the knee) or open jar lids (for sequelae of cerebral infarction)

Important points when explaining the treatment to patients

As some patients may have overly high expectations of regenerative medicine as a new treatment option, I first listen to their current concerns and challenges and then set realistic post-treatment goals. In this way, they can proceed with the treatment with a clear understanding.

Future outlook

Stem cell therapy holds great potential. I believe that the key to its widespread adoption lies in doctors communicating the expected outcomes to patients. Our clinic intends to continue collaborating with the Avenue Group, which has a solid record in stem cell therapy and research. Additionally, we plan to leverage Okinawa's strategic location as the center of East Asia to introduce Japanese regenerative medicine to patients from neighboring countries across the sea and expand the market. While there is no room for misinformation, we will continue to work diligently to deliver correct stem cell therapy using TOPs cells to our patients.

Brain Concierge Medical Corporation
Ochiai Brain Clinic

Director: Dr. Taku Ochiai

Start date of treatment and targeted diseases

February 22, 2021 - "Intravenous injection therapy using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for sequelae of cerebral infarction"

Feedback from patients who received stem cell therapy using TOPs cells

We treated a patient with the sequelae of cerebral infarction and other health conditions. After the treatment, the patient reported, "It's easier to speak," "My body feels lighter," "My bone density has improved," and "My skin looks clearer," although some numbness remained. The patient experienced these effects after the first treatment and was scheduled for a second round of therapy. However, not all patients experience the same effects and the intensity of these effects may vary. Personally, I feel that there is room for improvement in treatment efficacy.

Important points when explaining stem cell therapy to patients

Although we provide standard treatments such as magnetic therapy within the clinic, we propose stem cell therapy using TOPs cells as an option for eligible patients. A few patients who visit our clinic specifically seek stem cell therapy; therefore, I will explain this thoroughly using detailed documents to avoid misunderstanding.

Message to medical institutions considering introducing this treatment

I believe this is a new and multifunctional therapy that does not involve genetic manipulation. After intravenous administration, stem cells circulate throughout the body and may have beneficial effects beyond the primary therapeutic goal.

Goto Orthopedic Clinic

Director: Dr. Katsuaki Goto

Start date of treatment and targeted diseases

June 22, 2020 - "Treatment of joint pain and osteoarthritis using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells"

Why I decided to introduce stem cell therapy

first learned about platelet-rich plasma therapy and stem cell therapy when I was feeling the limitations of Western medicine, especially in treating conditions in areas with poor blood flow, such as joints and rotator cuffs. I decided to adopt stem cell therapy after seeing a magnetic resonance imaging scans of a patient treated with TOPs cell therapy, which was shown to me by Dr. Tomohiro Terao, who observed meniscal thickening. It felt like a mysterious treatment and I was deeply impressed.

About the fat collection method using the TOPs biopsy needle

I was initially anxious about performing fat collection. However, the biopsy needle method was easier than expected. The entire procedure, including staff and patient involvement, took approximately 30 min, which is much shorter than that of the surgical treatment. In addition, the patients reported no discomfort or pain at the collection site.

Stem cell therapy using TOPs cells as a new treatment option

for advanced knee osteoarthritis, and surgery is typically the most common treatment option. Although surgical treatments are well established and can provide a certain degree of therapeutic effect, the need for hospitalization for surgery imposes a significant physical burden on patients. Moreover, recovery from unsuccessful initial surgery is challenging. The stem cell therapy we offer uses a TOPs biopsy needle for fat collection. This is a simple procedure involving only a small incision of a few millimeters, thus reducing the physical burden on the patient and lowering the risk of infection. Although this is still a new treatment, with evidence currently being collected, stem cell therapy using TOPs cells is an attractive option.

Future outlook

Although inquiries through our website have increased, the high cost of therapy, which is not covered by insurance, often causes patients to abandon treatment. However, as a physician who is grateful for the potential of stem cell therapy, I am committed to disseminating this treatment option to many patients with osteoarthritis. Moving forward, I aim to continue offering stem cell therapy using TOPs cells at an accessible price, particularly to patients in the Tokai region, to promote the benefits of this innovative therapy.

List of Partner Medical Institutions

List of Partner
Medical Institutions

Hokkaido

医療法人社団福亀会札幌中央整形外科クリニック

Okinawa Prefecture

医療法人形成会当山美容形成外科

Fukuoka Prefecture

医療法人弘照会城山国際医院科

Osaka Prefecture

医療法人錦秀会インフュージョン（点滴）クリニック
医療法人恵聖会恵聖会クリニック心斎橋院
社会医療法人さくら会さくら会病院

Kyoto Prefecture

ジョイアクリニック京都
医療法人社団貴順会𠮷川病院

Gifu Prefecture
医療法人ごとう整形外科
Aichi Prefecture
医療法人高須クリニック 高須クリニック名古屋院
医療法人社団福祉会 高須病院
Shizuoka Prefecture
医療法人社団髙伸会 伊豆高原メディカル
たかやなぎ整形外科

Chiba Prefecture
医療法人社団 淳英会 おゆみの中央病院
医療法人鉄蕉会 亀田クリニック
Kanagawa Prefecture
医療法人社団正順会 イノルト整形外科 
藤沢院 痛みと骨粗鬆症クリニック
Saitama Prefecture
医療法人社団ブレイン・コンシェルジュ 
おちあい脳クリニック

Shibuya Ward
南新宿整形外科 リハビリテーションクリニック
Shinjuku Ward
RainBoW Clinic TOKYO 新宿院
Setagaya Ward
医療法人社団敬和慶友会 自由が丘くびと腰の 
整形外科関節のクリニック
Chuo Ward
アヴェニュー銀座クリニック
一般社団法人健瑞会 Abante Clinic 銀座
医療法人社団福祉会 高須クリニック銀座院
健康院クリニック
東京プライベートクリニック
Chiyoda Ward
お茶の水セルクリニック
Minato Ward
アヴェニューセルクリニック

                                                        一般社団法人エーエスケ－
                                                        
ダリア銀座スキンクリニック
                                                    

                                                        一般社団法人橘麗会 MastBeautyクリニック麻布十番
                                                    

                                                        東京ミッドタウンクリニック
                                                    

                                                        東京予防医療クリニック
                                                    

Voice of a Physician Using <img src="https://tops-cells.jp/wp-content/themes/cpc/assets/img/common/header-logo.svg?ver2" alt="" style="margin-left:2px;" data-eio="l"> Cells in Treatment

Department of Orthopedic Surgery,Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo

What sparked your interest in stem cell therapy

Feedback from patients who received treatment using TOPs cells

What is most important when explaining stem cell therapy to patients

Future outlook

Medical Corporation Keiseikai Touyama Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Start dates of treatment and targeted diseases

Stem cell therapy using TOPs cells

Important points when explaining the treatment to patients

Future outlook

Brain Concierge Medical Corporation Ochiai Brain Clinic

Start date of treatment and targeted diseases

Feedback from patients who received stem cell therapy using TOPs cells

Important points when explaining stem cell therapy to patients

Message to medical institutions considering introducing this treatment

Goto Orthopedic Clinic

Start date of treatment and targeted diseases

Why I decided to introduce stem cell therapy

About the fat collection method using the TOPs biopsy needle

Stem cell therapy using TOPs cells as a new treatment option

Future outlook

List of Partner Medical Institutions

List of Partner Medical Institutions

Hokkaido

医療法人社団 福亀会札幌中央整形外科クリニック

Okinawa Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture

医療法人形成会 当山美容形成外科

医療法人弘照会 城山国際医院

Osaka Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture

医療法人錦秀会インフュージョン（点滴）クリニックEnglish-speaking staff are available.

医療法人恵聖会恵聖会クリニック心斎橋院English-speaking staff are available.

社会医療法人さくら会さくら会病院

ジョイアクリニック京都

医療法人社団貴順会𠮷川病院

Gifu Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture

医療法人ごとう整形外科

医療法人高須クリニック高須クリニック名古屋院

医療法人社団福祉会高須病院

医療法人社団髙伸会 伊豆高原メディカルたかやなぎ整形外科

Chiba Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture

医療法人社団 淳英会 おゆみの中央病院

医療法人鉄蕉会亀田クリニック

医療法人社団正順会イノルト整形外科 藤沢院 痛みと骨粗鬆症クリニック

医療法人社団ブレイン・コンシェルジュおちあい脳クリニック

Shibuya Ward

Shinjuku Ward

Setagaya Ward

Chuo Ward

Chiyoda Ward

Minato Ward

南新宿整形外科リハビリテーションクリニック

RainBoW Clinic TOKYO 新宿院

医療法人社団敬和慶友会自由が丘くびと腰の整形外科関節のクリニック

アヴェニュー銀座クリニック

健康院クリニック

一般社団法人健瑞会Abante Clinic 銀座English-speaking staff are available.

東京プライベートクリニック

医療法人社団福祉会高須クリニック銀座院English-speaking staff are available.

お茶の水セルクリニック

アヴェニューセルクリニック

一般社団法人エーエスケ－ダリア銀座スキンクリニック

一般社団法人橘麗会MastBeautyクリニック麻布十番

東京予防医療クリニック

東京ミッドタウンクリニックEnglish-speaking staff are available.

Voice of a Physician Using
Cells in Treatment

Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo

Medical Corporation Keiseikai
Touyama Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brain Concierge Medical Corporation
Ochiai Brain Clinic

List of Partner
Medical Institutions

医療法人社団福亀会
札幌中央整形外科クリニック

医療法人形成会当山美容形成外科

医療法人弘照会城山国際医院

医療法人錦秀会
インフュージョン（点滴）クリニック
English-speaking staff are available.

医療法人恵聖会
恵聖会クリニック心斎橋院
English-speaking staff are available.

社会医療法人さくら会
さくら会病院

医療法人社団貴順会
𠮷川病院

医療法人高須クリニック
高須クリニック名古屋院

医療法人社団福祉会
高須病院

医療法人社団髙伸会伊豆高原メディカル
たかやなぎ整形外科

医療法人社団淳英会
おゆみの中央病院

医療法人鉄蕉会
亀田クリニック

医療法人社団正順会
イノルト整形外科藤沢院
痛みと骨粗鬆症クリニック

医療法人社団ブレイン・コンシェルジュ
おちあい脳クリニック

南新宿整形外科
リハビリテーション
クリニック

RainBoW Clinic TOKYO
新宿院

医療法人社団敬和慶友会
自由が丘くびと腰の
整形外科関節のクリニック

一般社団法人健瑞会
Abante Clinic 銀座
English-speaking staff are available.

医療法人社団福祉会
高須クリニック銀座院
English-speaking staff are available.

一般社団法人エーエスケ－
ダリア銀座スキンクリニック

一般社団法人橘麗会
MastBeautyクリニック麻布十番

東京ミッドタウンクリニック
English-speaking staff are available.