Stem cells and the microscopic particles they release may help aging organs work better—and, in some animal experiments, even extend lifespan. A scientific review published October 16 explores that possibility. But how soon could the results be replicated in humans, if at all?
Greek-American physician Dr. Chadwick Prodromos, who led the review, told Greek Reporter what regenerative medicine can realistically offer today and where popular anti-aging claims outpace the evidence.
Prodromos is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University, completed his residency at Rush University and trained at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital. He served 27 years as an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush.
His focus later shifted to regenerative medicine. He has published research on platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes, including their potential in age-related diseases.
Can stem cells really slow the aging process?
The new review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences examined 34 previously published animal studies involving mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes, which are tiny membrane-bound particles released by cells that can carry proteins and other biological material.
The studies explored how these treatments affected aging tissues and organs, including muscles, bones, the heart, kidneys and brain.
The authors found evidence of improved organ function, reduced age-related deterioration and increased lifespan in certain animal experiments.
When it comes to humans, however, Prodromos acknowledges that present-day medicine remains primarily focused on managing the consequences of aging.
“We are indeed primarily focused on treating age associated diseases,” he told Greek Reporter.
He also urges caution when interpreting tests that claim to measure a person’s biological age.
Although such biomarkers can provide information about health and physiological changes, he says they are not necessarily reliable predictors of how long someone will live.
“They usually rely on association rather than proven causality,” he explained.
The distinction is crucial. A treatment that produces favorable laboratory measurements does not automatically reduce disease risk, improve long-term health or extend lifespan.
What the death of Giorgos Mazonakis raises about rejuvenation treatments
Questions surrounding anti-aging medicine have acquired particular significance in Greece following the death of popular singer Giorgos Mazonakis on September 9.
The 54-year-old suffered cardiac arrest at a private medical practice in Athens’ Kolonaki district, where he was reportedly undergoing plasmapheresis. He was subsequently transferred to Elpis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Greek authorities have been investigating the circumstances, including the medical procedures performed and the conditions at the practice. Two doctors involved in the case were remanded in custody in September after being charged with homicide with possible intent by omission. Both have denied wrongdoing.
Asked whether plasmapheresis is a scientifically justified rejuvenation treatment for otherwise healthy people, Prodromos was unequivocal.
“No there is no credible evidence that it enhances the health of healthy people or increases longevity,” he said.
Plasmapheresis and therapeutic plasma exchange have established medical applications, particularly in certain blood and immune disorders. During treatment, plasma is separated from the blood’s cellular components; depending on the technique, it may be removed and replaced with another fluid.
The procedure has also attracted attention from longevity clinics, some of which suggest that removing substances circulating in the blood could help slow aging.
In September 2026, the American Society for Apheresis concluded that evidence remained insufficient to establish plasma exchange as a validated treatment for anti-aging or longevity.
Prodromos also emphasizes that plasmapheresis is not without medical risks.
Potential complications include low blood pressure, changes in electrolyte levels, allergic reactions, clotting or bleeding problems and complications involving vascular access.
“Heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolus can occur in a predisposed patient,” he warned.
He says the procedure can be performed outside a hospital only when appropriately experienced and credentialed medical personnel are involved, proper monitoring is maintained and adequate emergency resuscitation capabilities are available.
His comments concern the procedure generally and do not establish what caused Mazonakis’ death.
New hopes for Parkinson’s disease, ALS and other neurological conditions
While plasmapheresis has not been established as a means of extending healthy human life, Prodromos sees considerable potential in stem cells and exosomes, particularly for neurological disorders.
Some of his team’s recent research has explored the use of exosome-rich substances derived from mesenchymal stem cells to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lewy body dementia.
These substances form part of what scientists call the secretome, a mixture of biologically active materials released by cells. Researchers are investigating whether these materials can influence inflammation, cellular communication and tissue repair.
“We have had recent groundbreaking success,” Prodromos said, referring to the team’s neurological research.
In a study published in May 2026, his team described the treatment of 86 patients with ALS, Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia using intranasally administered stem cell-derived exosome and secretome preparations.
The researchers reported favorable clinical responses in 67 patients, with some showing improvements in symptoms or a slower rate of deterioration compared with historical patient data.
The study relied on historical comparisons rather than randomized controls and followed patients for a maximum of six months.
Independent, larger and rigorously controlled trials would be needed before the findings could support routine clinical use.
“Better data is always needed,” Prodromos acknowledged.
Prodromos nevertheless believes neurological disorders may prove to be among the most promising areas for regenerative medicine.
He also points to ongoing research into autoimmune diseases, arthritis and chronic back and neck pain.
The promise of regenerative medicine and the limits of current treatments
Regenerative medicine is already producing some important medical advances, but the distinction between approved treatments and experimental interventions remains essential.
In December 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for a specific life-threatening complication affecting children following stem cell transplantation.
The FDA has also warned that no exosome products are approved in the United States and that unapproved regenerative therapies can pose significant risks.
Prodromos stresses that the quality of stem cell preparations and the way they are administered are critical to safety. He advocates carefully controlled manufacturing, appropriate sterile techniques and properly trained medical teams.
The possibilities differ across medical specialties. Regarding heart conditions, for example, Prodromos acknowledges that “There is not yet good evidence of significant benefit for heart disorders.”
Looking ahead, however, he expects advances in understanding immune signaling to open new approaches to autoimmune diseases and cancer.
“We should also be able to rejuvenate the heart and other organs,” he predicted.
He also anticipates increasingly specialized stem cell and exosome applications for conditions affecting vision, hearing and other organs.
A Greek-American regenerative medicine expert with deep roots in Greece
Prodromos’ interest in the development of regenerative medicine in Greece also reflects his personal background.
Although he and both his parents were born in Chicago, all four of his grandparents were born on the other side of the Atlantic.
His maternal grandfather was from Meligalas, a Greek village near Kalamata, and his maternal grandmother was from Kalamata itself. His paternal grandmother came from Magoula, near Sparta, while his paternal grandfather was from Smyrna, now Izmir in Turkey.
All four grandparents immigrated to Chicago in 1908, establishing the family’s roots in the United States.
Prodromos believes Greece has the scientific capabilities and medical expertise to become a leading European center for regenerative medicine.
“Greece is perfectly positioned and qualified to be the epicenter of stem cell medicine in Europe on par with the USA,” he said.
He favors expanding access to regenerative treatments under appropriate controls, although the regulation, evidence requirements and availability of particular therapies remain important questions for Greece and other European countries.
The most effective way to live longer may still be the simplest
Despite his involvement in advanced medical research, Prodromos argues that the most important tools for a longer, healthier life are already familiar.
He emphasizes cardiovascular fitness, resistance training, maintaining an appropriate body weight, good nutrition, avoiding smoking and minimizing alcohol consumption.
When asked what he would recommend to a healthy person in their 50s or 60s who wanted to remain younger for longer, he placed lifestyle changes ahead of medical procedures.
He also believes that some regenerative treatments may eventually complement these measures, but that their potential should not be confused with proven longevity benefits.
For all the scientific excitement surrounding stem cells, exosomes and organ rejuvenation, his central message is that lasting health cannot be obtained through a single medical intervention.
“Regenerative medicine will never provide health in a pill,” Prodromos said.
“It can supplement a healthy lifestyle but if you want to be healthy, feel good, look good and live long you have to put in the work and self discipline to live well.”
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