The news is filled with new discoveries and benefits of stem cell therapies on a daily basis. However, as most stem cell treatments and therapies aren’t yet approved in the U.S., patients are left in a quandry when it comes to potential treatment. However, one of the most commonly performed transplants in the U.S. has been the bone marrow transplant. Since 1968, this treatment has been used to treat individuals diagnosed with leukemia.

Today, stem cell transplants (and bone marrow stem cell therapies) may be used to treat multiple forms of cancer, including lymphoma, as well as to replace damaged cells in the heart, lungs, and yes, even the brain. Still, when a patient from the U.S. sees the price tag associated with a bone marrow transplant, they often lose all hope for a cure.

In the United States,  an autologous bone marrow stem cell transplant will not cost as much as one that involves another individual. For individuals who must find a donor, costs for that search alone may range between $10,000 and $25,000. Following that, compatibility testing must be performed. The collection of stem cells may cost between $3,500 and $5,000 for related donors, though costs may rise to $15,000 to $50,000 dollars for unrelated donors. For an autologous transplant, costs for an individual may range between $50,000 and $100,000, while allogenic transplant may range between $150,000 and $200,000 for the recipient.

Patients traveling to international destinations may save tens of thousands of dollars or up to 70% on stem cell treatments and therapies. Travelers to Mexico may pay approximately $7,000 to $20,000 for a bone marrow stem cell transplant.