Stem Cell Transplantation - A Positive Step against Life threatening Diseases

Stem Cell Transplantation: A Positive Step against Life threatening Diseases An effective tool which has become synonymous with treatment of cancer is the use of stem cells. In some forms of blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma use of stem cells is part of the treatment. The introduction of stem cells in medical treatment has been revolutionary, to say the least. The most exciting part is we are a long way from realising its true potential.

In scientific terms, stem cells are undifferentiated cells of multicellular organisms capable of forming into more cells of the same type or evolving into other type of specialized cells. Stem cells in humans are categorised into two types: 1. Embryonic stem cells, found in umbilical cord during birth.

2. Adult stem cells, found in bone marrow tissue.

Adult stem cells act as a provider of repair cells to replenish damaged tissues in the human body.

Such stem cells or even the bone marrow may get damaged due to cancer. There is also the added risk that radiation therapy and chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer may also destroy the stem cells or the bone marrow.

Thus, the need for stem cell transplant arises. There are three types of stem cell transplant depending on the donor.

1. Stem cells can be transferred from one’s own bone marrow or blood.

2. Stem cells can be collected from a donor having matching stem cells.

3. The third of performing stem cell transplant is by collecting stem cells from umbilical cord blood.

While umbilical cord stem cells are available from stored cord blood, the collection of bone marrow stem cells is a more intricate process. But the advancement of stem cell technology has been made possible the act of stem cell transplantation from bone marrow.

The process starts with the donor being injected with growth factors. Growth factors are natural substances which induces the bone marrow to make more stem cells. After about 5 to 10 days, the excess stem cells pour into the blood stream.

For the whole duration of the process of injecting growth factors, the donor undergoes regular tests to check for the amount of stem cells in blood. On reaching the required levels, these stem cells are collected. The collection of stem cells usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Stem cell transplant have been used to cure thousands of people, even some cases of deadly cancer.But before going for stem cell transplant, it is best to have multiple consultation sessions with your doctors to weigh the risks and benefits associated with such treatment.