Stem cells are primitive or immature cells that have the ability grow into any other cell in the body. There is a lot of controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research because of its religious, ethical and moral implications. But there are also two other lesser known types of stem cells – cord blood cells and adult stem cells.

Cord blood cells are stem cells present in the umbilical blood of a newborn child. Since it is considered a waste product anyway, there are lesser number of people protesting research on cord blood stem cells. Some people even freeze their newborn baby’s cord blood cells in the eventuality that the baby may need it sometime in the future. Adult stem cells are present in the bone marrow of adult human beings. Just a few years ago, adult stem cells were used only for producing blood, but now research shows that they can be used for many more cutting edge treatments.

Cancer – The Killer Disease

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Even with all the advancements that we have made in the field of medicine, mankind has not been able to find a cure for cancer. But stem cell research gives a new lease of hope in cancer treatments.

Not all cancer patients may be ideal for treatments that involve stem cells. There are several factors such as age, general health of the patient and the degree of metastasis that determines how effective stem cell cancer treatment will be.

Stem cells in cancer treatment

Most cancer treatments today involve high doses of chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells and to prevent it from metastasizing to other parts of the body. The treatment is very effective. But the downside is that healthy cells of your body are also destroyed along with the killer cells.

Stem cell research offers autologous bone marrow transplant and stem cell rescue as a treatment option for different types of cancer. It involves usage of the patient’s own peripheral stem cells and bone marrow to overcome the destructive effects of chemotherapy on the bone marrow.

Stem cell transplant

After the chemotherapy with or without radiation, the patient will be given a fresh infusion of healthy stem cells. These stem cells would be collected from the patient’s own body before the chemotherapy procedure. A compatible donor can also provide stem cells. You can collect stem cells from the bone marrow or the blood.

The stem cell transplant is typically carried out in a manner similar to blood transfusion, about two days after the high dose chemotherapy. Once the stem cells enter the blood stream, they travel to the bone marrow to develop into fresh new red and white blood cells and platelets.

After the stem cell transplant

Though white blood cells start developing after the stem cell transplant, it takes some time for the patient’s immune system to be functional. Careful precautions must be taken to prevent risk of infection during this time. After the stem cell infusion, the patient may need further blood transfusions to treat or cure infections, bleeding etc.

If the stem cells are from a donor, there is a risk that the patient’s body recognizes the donor’s stem cells as foreign bodies and rejects them. This leads to transplant failure which may occur anywhere within one month.

Oncologists take extreme care to reduce complications and to address the patient’s needs during the procedure. Along with the stem cell cancer treatment, most patients respond well to a customized, holistic care plan that can reinforce and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit through physical therapy and spiritual support.

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Category: Cancer Survival
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