Table 3.

Advertised stem cell treatment targets (among web domains marketing stem cell therapies, n=243)

Treatment target type	Web domains (n)	Web domains (%)	Example (excerpt)
Unspecified	6	2.47	N/A
Pain/injury (musculoskeletal)	182	74.90	‘These treatments enhance the natural cycles of repair in chronically injured joints, ligaments and tendons. Regenerative injections are an effective treatment for all manner of acute and chronic back and neck pain, as well as osteoarthritis and injuries to the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, foot and ankle.’ (http://www.myctm.org/)
Other illness/disease	82	33.74	‘The Lung Institute offers stem cell treatment for many major pulmonary conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.’ (http://www.lunginstitute.com/) ‘In Dr. Steenblock’s experience the use of the patient’s own bone marrow is the safest, simplest, and cheapest method to treat CHF [congestive heart failure] with stem cells and in his opinion gets consistently good or better results than those more expensive and risky methods of treatment described above.’ (personalized-regenerative-http://www.medicine.com/) ‘Stem Cells - This treatment has great therapeutic potential given to the cells ability in regulating the immune system, regenerating tissues and organs and preventing pathologies.’ (http://www.flordelasalud.com/) ‘Stem Cell Vaccine Therapy can be used with other surgical interventions to replace post surgical chemotherapy, or can be used as a stand alone treatment if indicated.’ (http://www.stemcelltreatmentinstitute.com/)
Cosmetic	52	21.40	‘The natural stem cell breast augmentations with stem cell-enriched autologous fat is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.’ (http://www.liposuctionthailand.org/)
Ageing	44	18.11	‘Thai Regen offers stem cell therapy and other medical and holistic healing treatments in Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) for the prevention and treatment of degenerative disease as well as for anti-aging and body rejuvenation.’ (http://www.thairegen.com/)
Sexual enhancement	18	7.41	‘There are exciting new treatment options for men suffering from erectile dysfunction that can provide natural and lasting results without medication, including stem cell therapy.’ (https://www.innovativecosmeticsurgery.com/)
Other	7	2.88	‘It’s a system that totally defies traditional addiction treatment. Instead of administering another addictive medicine, we use plant-based medicine, stem cells, super foods, Ibogaine and Ayahuasca as part of the system.’ (http://www.theholisticsanctuary.com/)

N/A, not available.