What's the difference between autologous and allogeneic MSC?

Autologous: your own cells, harvested from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord (if banked at birth). No rejection risk. Best for OA, post-injury, autoimmune in younger patients with good cell quality. Processing 7–14 days after harvest. Allogeneic: donor cells, typically from screened umbilical cord tissue. Off-the-shelf — no harvest delay. Standardised dose. Some immunomodulatory advantage in inflammatory conditions. Both are clinically established at NMPA-licensed Class A facilities.

Which cell source is best — bone marrow, adipose or umbilical cord?

Bone marrow MSC: gold-standard historical source; well-characterised; harvest is moderately invasive (iliac crest aspiration). Adipose-derived MSC: 100–500× more cells per gram than bone marrow; mini-liposuction harvest; best for high-volume protocols. Umbilical cord MSC: youngest, most proliferative cells; allogeneic only (your own cord typically not banked); strongest immunomodulatory profile. Your physician will recommend based on indication and your age.

What is exosome therapy?

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by stem cells. They carry the regenerative signalling molecules of MSCs without the cells themselves — easier to standardise, store and deliver. Used for inflammatory and degenerative conditions, particularly when systemic delivery is preferred. Lower cost ($6,000–$15,000 vs $8,400–$24,000 for cellular MSC) but emerging evidence base — discuss honestly with your physician.

What is NK-cell immunotherapy?

Natural killer (NK) cells are a key part of innate immunity. NK-cell therapy involves expanding the patient's own NK cells (or allogeneic NK cells) ex vivo and infusing them — primarily in oncology supportive care alongside chemotherapy or as maintenance. Cost $15,000–$35,000 per course. Investigational for some autoimmune indications.

Is CAR-T different from stem cell therapy?

Yes — CAR-T uses T cells (not stem cells) genetically engineered to target a specific antigen. NMPA approved 4 CAR-T products in China for B-cell lymphoma, ALL and multiple myeloma. CAR-T is the most evidence-supported cellular therapy in oncology. Cost $60,000–$140,000 in China vs $400,000+ in the US. See our dedicated CAR-T page for indications and process.

Are iPSC and embryonic stem cells used clinically?

Mostly research-stage. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are reprogrammed adult cells — Chinese trials in Parkinson's, retinal disease and diabetes are active but not standard clinical care. Embryonic stem cell (ESC) therapy is highly regulated and primarily research. For most patients, MSC and exosome protocols are the appropriate clinical options.

Stem cell · Types

Six types of cellular therapy,
compared.

Autologous bone-marrow MSC. Adipose. Allogeneic umbilical cord. Exosomes. NK-cell. CAR-T. Each with its own protocol, indication profile and price — here is how they actually differ.

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Six types

Cell source and protocol matter.

Standard

Autologous bone-marrow MSC

Cells harvested from your iliac crest, expanded ex vivo, re-infused. Gold-standard well-characterised source. Best for OA, autoimmune, post-injury.

$8.4–18k

High-yield

Autologous adipose MSC

Mini-liposuction harvest yields 100–500× more cells than bone marrow. Best for high-volume or repeated dosing protocols.

$10–22k

Off-the-shelf

Allogeneic umbilical cord MSC

Donor cells from screened umbilical cord tissue. Strongest immunomodulatory profile. No harvest delay. Best for GVHD, autoimmune, severe systemic inflammation.

$10–28k

Adjunct

Exosome therapy

Extracellular vesicles secreted by MSCs. Easier to standardise and deliver. Used for systemic inflammation, dermatology, hair loss.

$6–15k

Oncology

NK-cell immunotherapy

Expanded NK cells for oncology supportive care alongside chemotherapy. Investigational for selected autoimmune.

$15–35k

NMPA approved

CAR-T cellular therapy

4 NMPA-approved CAR-T products. Indicated for B-cell lymphoma, ALL, multiple myeloma. The most evidence-supported cellular therapy.

$60–140k

FAQ

Cellular therapy types, in plain language.

What's the difference between autologous and allogeneic MSC?: Autologous: your own cells, harvested from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord (if banked at birth). No rejection risk. Best for OA, post-injury, autoimmune in younger patients with good cell quality. Processing 7–14 days after harvest. Allogeneic: donor cells, typically from screened umbilical cord tissue. Off-the-shelf — no harvest delay. Standardised dose. Some immunomodulatory advantage in inflammatory conditions. Both are clinically established at NMPA-licensed Class A facilities.
Which cell source is best — bone marrow, adipose or umbilical cord?: Bone marrow MSC: gold-standard historical source; well-characterised; harvest is moderately invasive (iliac crest aspiration). Adipose-derived MSC: 100–500× more cells per gram than bone marrow; mini-liposuction harvest; best for high-volume protocols. Umbilical cord MSC: youngest, most proliferative cells; allogeneic only (your own cord typically not banked); strongest immunomodulatory profile. Your physician will recommend based on indication and your age.
What is exosome therapy?: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by stem cells. They carry the regenerative signalling molecules of MSCs without the cells themselves — easier to standardise, store and deliver. Used for inflammatory and degenerative conditions, particularly when systemic delivery is preferred. Lower cost ($6,000–$15,000 vs $8,400–$24,000 for cellular MSC) but emerging evidence base — discuss honestly with your physician.
What is NK-cell immunotherapy?: Natural killer (NK) cells are a key part of innate immunity. NK-cell therapy involves expanding the patient's own NK cells (or allogeneic NK cells) ex vivo and infusing them — primarily in oncology supportive care alongside chemotherapy or as maintenance. Cost $15,000–$35,000 per course. Investigational for some autoimmune indications.
Is CAR-T different from stem cell therapy?: Yes — CAR-T uses T cells (not stem cells) genetically engineered to target a specific antigen. NMPA approved 4 CAR-T products in China for B-cell lymphoma, ALL and multiple myeloma. CAR-T is the most evidence-supported cellular therapy in oncology. Cost $60,000–$140,000 in China vs $400,000+ in the US. See our dedicated CAR-T page for indications and process.
Are iPSC and embryonic stem cells used clinically?: Mostly research-stage. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are reprogrammed adult cells — Chinese trials in Parkinson's, retinal disease and diabetes are active but not standard clinical care. Embryonic stem cell (ESC) therapy is highly regulated and primarily research. For most patients, MSC and exosome protocols are the appropriate clinical options.

Which type fits
your case?

Submit your records. A senior physician will recommend cell source, dose protocol and route of administration based on your specific indication.

Book a consultation Conditions overview

Six types of cellular therapy,compared.