Mazonakis’ death revives debate over alternative therapies, hematologists say: Get informed before any procedure

Following the sudden death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis, the Hellenic Society of Hematology has once again raised concerns about the use of alternative therapies, unregistered treatments and procedures that lack sufficient scientific support.

Hematologist Dr. Elias Pessach has urged citizens to exercise caution and not undergo such procedures without first becoming informed. According to him, “medicine is not wellness,” and a clear distinction must be made between approved treatments and marketing promises.

In its statement, the Society emphasizes that the case of Giorgos Mazonakis has once again brought the uncontrolled situation surrounding so-called alternative therapies into the spotlight. The information published so far links the incident to a private clinic called the “Stem Cell Clinic.”

The Society explains that hematopoietic stem cells are primitive cells that produce blood components and have the ability to regenerate them continuously. In specialized hospital settings, they are used for bone marrow transplants in patients with leukemia and other hematological diseases.

According to the Society, these cells regenerate only blood cells and do not have the ability to regenerate other tissues in the body. For this reason, their use for other purposes has not been scientifically documented and may pose a risk.

Based on doctors’ publications and statements, Giorgos Mazonakis is reported to have visited the clinic to undergo plasmapheresis.

Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic procedure carried out using specialized equipment, in hospital settings and by trained personnel. It is used mainly by hematologists and nephrologists to remove pathological antibodies from the blood, particularly in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.

Like any medical procedure, plasmapheresis can also be accompanied by side effects. Among the most common consequences are low blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances, mainly affecting the cardiovascular system.

The Society warns that advertisements for so-called “alternative medicine” present plasmapheresis as a method for “detoxifying” the body, promoting “wellness” and extending “longevity.” However, according to the Society, these claims are not supported by clinical studies.

The Hellenic Society of Hematology recalls that, as early as 2019, it had sent a letter to the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), the National Transplant Organization (EOM) and the Ministry of Health. In that document, it warned about the risks of offering and advertising unproven or scientifically inadequate cell therapies.

The 2019 letter called for the immediate investigation of facilities offering unauthorized cell therapies, the strengthening of oversight mechanisms and the official provision of information to the public about the potential risks.

The Society is now calling on the state, through the National Organization for Medicines, to demand clear evidence of the scientific basis and documentation of treatments advertised as “regenerative.”

Another request is addressed to the medical associations that license clinics. They should verify applicants’ professional qualifications and scientific basis, as well as supervise the activities of their members.

According to the statement, scientific associations should also publish on their official websites their scientific positions on treatments advertised as “miracle” therapies or as solutions to a wide range of health problems.

In conclusion, the Society urges citizens to remain skeptical and seek information from institutional sources rather than advertising materials.

Analysis by hematologist Dr. Elias Pessach

Referring to the sudden death of Giorgos Mazonakis, but without prejudging its cause or any responsibility, which will be determined by the official investigation, Dr. Elias Pessach says that a debate must begin about how some of these procedures are offered and promoted.

The hematologist notes that in recent years there has been an increase in centers offering services related to mesotherapy, anti-aging, longevity, “detoxification” and wellness.

He describes a reality in which impressive English words, luxurious settings and promises of “cleansing” the blood, strengthening the immune system, regenerating cells and achieving eternal youth are used. For this reason, he says, it is essential to distinguish between procedures that are fundamentally different.

Dr. Pessach explains that therapeutic plasmapheresis is not a “detoxification” procedure. During it, blood is removed from the body and passed through a specialized device; the plasma is removed, while the blood cells are returned to the patient together with a replacement fluid.

The procedure is used for certain serious hematological, neurological and autoimmune diseases. It can cause a drop in blood pressure, low blood calcium, allergic reactions or arrhythmias, and therefore requires continuous monitoring.

The hematologist also emphasizes that plasmapheresis should not be confused with PRP.

PRP is performed by taking a small amount of blood from the person, centrifuging it and, usually, locally injecting the platelet-rich plasma. It is neither plasmapheresis nor stem cell therapy.

Stem cells, Dr. Pessach stresses, cannot be considered an “elixir of youth” either.

There are genuine, life-saving treatments involving hematopoietic stem cells, including transplants for patients with leukemia and other serious diseases. But this does not mean that every PRP treatment or blood concentrate described as “rich in CD34+ cells” is an approved treatment for aging, dementia, heart disease or “strengthening the body.”

“Plasmapheresis is one thing, PRP is another, cell concentrate is another and stem cell transplantation is another,” he emphasizes.

According to him, these terms are not interchangeable and should not be used to create the impression of a more advanced treatment or to deceive patients.

Dr. Pessach notes that a facility does not become a medical clinic simply because it has the word “clinic” in its name.

Procedures requiring a special license, suitable infrastructure, trained personnel, continuous monitoring and resuscitation equipment cannot be performed everywhere or by just anyone.

“No one can perform medical procedures simply because they have attended a seminar,” the hematologist says. He recalls that different healthcare professionals have clearly defined powers under the law.

“Even a medical degree is not a blank check. I am a hematologist,” he emphasizes.

To illustrate the importance of specialization, Pessach gives the example of a patient with kidney stones or one who needs prostate surgery. In such a case, the patient would consult a urologist, not a doctor from another specialty simply because that person is a doctor.

In the same way, he adds, it is not enough for someone to be a doctor, buy a device and begin advertising plasmapheresis, “stem cells,” exosomes or intravenous “youth serums” without the necessary training, documentation and licensing.

Every invasive or intravenous procedure must have a clear medical indication. It must be performed after taking the patient’s complete medical history and obtaining informed consent, while the preparations used must be traceable.

The facility where the procedure is performed must also be able to treat serious complications immediately, including anaphylactic reactions and cardiac arrest.

Dr. Pessach advises citizens, before undergoing such a procedure, to ask who will perform it and what their specialization is, whether the facility is licensed, exactly what procedure or product will be used, whether it is approved for the proposed purpose and who will care for the patient in the event of a serious complication.

“If there are no clear answers, we leave,” Pessach emphasizes.

In his analysis, the hematologist also raises the issue of how these services are monitored in Greece.

According to him, a simple internet search using the terms “PRP,” “stem cells,” “serums,” “detox” or “wellness” produces doctors from various specialties, dentists, aesthetic professionals and centers advertising a wide range of treatments.

This, he explains, does not automatically mean that every activity is illegal. However, it raises the question of who checks what procedure is being performed, by whom, in what facility, under what license and on what scientific basis.

Finally, Dr. Pessach calls for the creation of a public register of licensed facilities, unannounced inspections, monitoring of medical advertising on the internet and the imposition of genuine sanctions when violations are identified.

“State oversight cannot wake up only when someone dies. Medicine is not wellness. Science is not marketing. And human life is not an uncontrolled field of experimentation,” the hematologist concludes.