Future
Treatment Discoveries
Not only can stem cells be used to treat a variety
of blood diseases and cancers traditionally
treated with bone marrow transplantation, but
also new research is being conducted that shows
the potential for stem cells to help treat other
diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's,
and Alzheimer's.
Cord
blood stem cells are especially suited for use
in gene therapy. Researchers are optimistic
about similar treatments for AIDS, Rheumatoid
Arthritis & Diabetes.
"Stem cells from…umbilical cord blood
are now being used to treat approximately 75
diseases including acute and chronic leukemia,
aplastic anemia, Tay Sach's disease, sickle
cell anemia, and SCIDs. The stem cells found
in these sources are called hematopoietic progenitors
and can regenerate the blood and immune system
for patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation.
The hematopoietic stem cell is the best-studied
and most frequently used stem cell (3), and
has the largest proven application to current
clinical practice, as it has been used in transplantation
for over thirty years."(Sandra Wolf, RN.
Myfreece.com) |
