Cellular therapy, as a part of regenerative medicine, implies to the treatment of human disorders with cells as a medical product, so called – “living drugs”. Usually such therapy is applied when other alternative efficient pharmacological therapies are not available. Stem cells of different origin: 1) tissue specific e.g. hematopethic, epithelial, neuronal, limbal; 2) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) harvested from variety of tissues; 3) pluripotent stem cells: embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) – serve as a source of cells for regenerative medicine application, depending upon disease and application requirements. Currently MSC are the type of stem cells that are most frequently used in registered regenerative medicine clinical trials. In this paper we provide the information on the application of cell therapy in orthopedics, hematology, ophthalmology, dermatology, gastrology and neurology. The influence of origin of MSCs and iPSCs on their mode of action as therapeutic, regenerative agents are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of application of different cell types for cell therapy are underlined. Last, but not least current low regulations in Poland and requirements of European regulatory bodies for cell therapy are pointed out and discussed.

Stem cells exist and can do a lot. For several decades, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants containing haematopoietic stem cells have been used in the treatment of blood diseases. Genetic modifications (gene therapy) of such cells help to cure complex immunodeficiencies and severe anaemias. The limbal stem cells taken from the eye and properly multiplied can regenerate the damaged cornea, and the epidermal stem cells help in the treatment of severe burns and some hereditary, severe skin diseases. Promising experimental research is under way on other uses of stem cells. However, these cells are appropriately selected, having real ability to differentiate into specialized cells whose malfunction is the cause of the disease. Therapeutic applications of stem cells are apparently limited to date. Meanwhile, the Internet is full of advertisements for supposedly miraculous treatments for almost any disease. Stem cells have become a modern synonym of the Holy Grail. A wonderful dish, transforming every drink into elixir of health, youth and long life. Stem cells from a single source, e.g., umbilical cord blood, or so-called cells, although without proven properties of stem cells, are offered in commercial private clinics as a panacea for autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, eye diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dozens other disorders. Without justification for their action in these diseases, without convincing evidence of safety, but for a high fee. This article discusses stem cells and misunderstandings about including any cells among them. It draws attention to the real possibilities and confirmed uses of stem cells and presents the problems, doubts and dangers for patients associated with commercial offers of treatments using “stem” cells. The author cites the positions of scientific institutions and societies warning against premature commercialization of unjustified and potentially dangerous therapies.