The unexpected death of Giorgos Mazonakis has once again brought attention to the lack of regulation surrounding so-called alternative treatments, the Hellenic Hematology Society said in a statement.

The Society explained that, “according to what we know so far, the incident took place at a private medical practice called Stem Cell Clinic.”

“Stem cells from bone marrow, whose Greek term is hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, have the ability to replenish the blood on a daily basis. These cells are used in specialized hospital settings for bone marrow transplants, which hematologists perform on patients with leukemia and other blood disorders. Stem cells regenerate blood exclusively and no other tissue in the body. Any other use is not scientifically supported and is potentially dangerous,” the statement said.

The Hellenic Hematology Society also addressed the plasmapheresis procedure that Giorgos Mazonakis had gone to the clinic to undergo, noting that it is performed using specialized machines in a hospital setting by trained medical personnel and is primarily used by hematologists and neurologists.

“The procedure is used to remove abnormal antibodies from the blood in order to treat autoimmune diseases. Plasmapheresis can have side effects, mainly involving the cardiovascular system, with the most common being hypotension and disturbances in heart rhythm. Unfortunately, amid the medical pseudoscience that has proliferated in recent years, plasmapheresis is generally promoted as a mechanism for ‘detoxification,’ ‘wellness’ and ‘longevity.’ None of these claims is supported by clinical studies,” the Society said.

The Hellenic Hematology Society had already sounded the alarm in 2019 over “the uncontrolled treatments being offered to citizens,” in a letter to the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), the National Transplant Organization (EOM) and the Ministry of Health.

The letter highlighted the risks associated with the provision and advertising of unproven or inadequately supported cellular therapies in Greece. It called for the immediate investigation of facilities offering unauthorized cellular treatments, stronger oversight and official public information about the potential risks.

What the Hellenic Hematology Society Is Calling For

The Hellenic Hematology Society reiterated that the state, through the National Organization for Medicines, should provide clear information on the scientific validity and evidence supporting the “regenerative” treatments being offered.

Medical associations responsible for licensing medical practices should thoroughly assess the scientific relevance and qualifications of applicants and conduct at least random inspections of their members’ activities.

Scientific societies, in turn, should publish their scientifically established positions on their public websites regarding the various treatments being advertised as “miraculous.”

The Society urged citizens to be particularly skeptical and to seek information from institutional and official sources rather than advertisements. “Only through these sources can they obtain reliable and verified information.”