Learn about how stem cells can be used for the treatment of cancer.
The use of stem cells for the treatment of cancer has given a lot of physicians, scientists, and persons with cancer hope for cancer survival. It is important to note that even with the use of stem cells for the treatment of cancer, high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation is still needed. Because of the use of stem cells transplantation, radiation and/or chemotherapy can be done and provide a more positive long-term prognosis for patients. High doses of radiation and/or chemotherapy can damage the bone marrow cells and not allow the body to make blood cells. With the use of stem cell transplantation, the stem cells can replace the destroyed bone marrow cells.
Advancements for treatment of cancer have progressed rapidly over the last couple of decades. We have transitioned from chemotherapy and radiotherapy only to the combination of either and to stem cell transplantation for the treatment options. The use of stem cells for treatment of cancer is interesting because this method allows for the delivery of anti-cancer agents right into the cancer cells. The use of stem cells in treatment of cancer can be done because technology has advanced to the point where genes can be placed into the cancer cell. Therefore, scientists are now referring to cancer as “cancer stem cell” instead of cells rapidly dividing (the old way of describing how cancer develops). The understanding of stem cell cancer is still in its early stages and a better understanding of the genes and signaling pathways that lead to the development of cancer is needed before major advances in stem cell treatments can become a reality.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants
Autologous is a term that refers to the reimplantion of cells, tissues, and/or proteins from the individual from whom the cells, tissues, and/or proteins were taken. Therefore, autologous stem cell transplantation means that the stem cell treatment that you receive are cells from your own body. This method, receiving your own cells, helps lower the possibility of rejecting another person’s cells or other possible side effects. For a newborn, it is possible to have their stem cells from the umbilical cord saved so the stem cells can later be used for treatment of cancer, if ever needed. In essence, in the treatment of cancer, bone marrow cells can be frozen and used after the patient has received high doses of radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants
Allogenic is a term to describe having been given cells, proteins, and/or tissues from different individuals of the same species. This method of stem cell treatment for cancer works similar to a blood transfusion. After undergoing cancer treatment, the patient is given a new bone marrow and immune system. Essentially, allogenic stem cell transplants are done by using stem cells from the bone marrow or the peripheral blood stem cells.
Another method of stem cell treatment for cancer is the use of stem cells that are taken from an identical twin. This method of stem cell treatment for cancer can be done because twins have the same set of genes. Therefore, twins have the same HLA (human leukocyte associated) antigens.
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