Mexico, is the world’s second largest medical tourism market; Its proximity to the United States and the open understanding of seeking actual cures, not just treatments as per it’s regulations. It attracts millions of medical tourists a year, especially for regenerative medicine, cell therapies and dental procedures. Many clinics are advertised and are based in the United States, but provide their treatments in Mexico due to the permissive regulations for several innovative practices.
Frustrated by the slow translation of stem cell research into clinical practice, patients with debilitating conditions often seek therapeutic options that are not appropriately regulated. This review summarises recent developments in the field of stem cell tourism and provides clinicians with the information necessary to provide basic pretravel health advice to stem cell tourists.
* The Mexican government has established the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) to regulate the use of stem cells in medical treatments. COFEPRIS has guidelines of stem cells and clinics that wish to offer stem cell treatments must comply with these guidelines.