With advancements in stem cell research and clinical trials,
scientists have discovered new possibilities for treating a wide range of
diseases and gained valuable insights into understanding the mechanism of
illnesses' development. When injected, these cells can stimulate the processes
of healing, repairing and regenerating damaged tissues and organs.
Overall, the unique properties of stem cells are helping revolutionize medicine today by offering new prospects in treating incurable diseases, disease modelling, and personalized medicine.
Let's learn more about stem cell in the treatment of disease, available treatment options, results, and efficacy of the treatment in changing lives.
An overview of stem cell therapy
Stem cells are unspecialized pluripotent body units found in human tissues to support the internal repair system by replenishing the damaged or lost cells. For their intrinsic healing and regenerative properties, they are considered a potential treatment for multiple diseases and tissue engineering.
How does stem cell treatment work?
The treatment involves introducing stem cells intravenously
or injected directly onto the site, depending upon the type of condition and
treatment demands. A stem
cell transplant process involves the following steps:
1. Harvesting. This involves obtaining samples through the
umbilical cord, bone marrow, or adipose tissues.
2. Processing. These cells are then separated from the rest
via density gradient centrifugation, and differentiated into millions through
cultural expansion.
3. Administrating. After processing, cell-based drugs are
administrated via transfusion into the patient's bloodstream, or transplanted
into the injured site.
4. Integration. During this stage, the injected units are allowed to integrate into the tissues to initiate the repairing and healing of the damaged tissues and cell regeneration.
In what diseases can it be beneficial?
The method can potentially treat a wide range of diseases;
however, the efficacy of treatment may depend upon the stage of the disease and
the types of undifferentiated cells being used. They can treat the following
disorders:
- Blood disorders (like leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and
thalassemia);
- Autoimmune diseases (like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and
arthritis);
- Neurological disorders (Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, ASD,
spinal cord injuries, stroke, etc.);
- Cardiovascular diseases (like heart attack and peripheral
artery diseases);
- Orthopedic injuries (such as fracture, joint, and
cartilage damage);
- Eye diseases (macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, etc.).
Moreover, physical therapists recommend stem treatment for athletes to accelerate recovery and enhance endurance.
Types of stem cells used in the therapy
Depending upon the condition and procedure's success, the
need for using specific types of stem cell structures can vary from person to
person. Some most common and widely used types are:
1. Embryonic stem cells: totipotent ESCs and pluripotent
ESCs.
2. Adult stem cells: hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs),
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural, muscle, epithelial and endothelial stem
cells.
3. Induced pluripotent stem cells that were reprogrammed in order to achieve the desired capacity (pluripotency).
However, hematopoietic and mesenchymal undifferentiated cells are the most commonly used in regenerative medicine.
HSCs
These are used for treating blood-related disorders like Leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, etc.
MSCs
These are used for treating various disorders like neurodegenerative
and neurodevelopmental diseases, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injuries, heart
diseases, and diabetes; this also includes MS stem cells treatment.
Overall, all stem cellular structures have immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, self-renewing, and regenerating effects on patients.
Results of stem cell treatment. Is the method effective?
Stem cells have shown promising results in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials for alleviating disease symptoms. However, while stem cell treatment is successfully used for a variety of diseases, the results of the treatment also depend upon:
1. Type of cellular drug used.
2. Type of condition being treated.
3. The severity of the disease.
4. Patient's response to the treatment.
5. The overall health condition of the patient.
6. Dose and frequency of the treatment.
7. The route of administration and the number of procedures undergone.
Generally, therapy based on cellular drugs is considered
safe and effective for most treatments. Recently, several clinical trials have
found mesenchymal stem cells to have:
- Regenerating properties;
- Immunomodulatory effects;
- Anti-inflammatory properties;
- Self-renewing capabilities;
- Secretion of growth factors and cytokines.
Possible side effects
Stem cell transplant process offers little to no side effects. However, some patients may notice the following short-term side effects within or after a while of the procedure:
- dizziness
- nausea
- fever
- fatigue
- headache
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy offers significant symptom improvements
for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions and health impairments.
With this, the therapy is mostly immune privileged, meaning it offers a low
risk of rejection for the patient. However, the treatment success and outcome
predominantly may depend upon the procedure's protocols and the patient's case
of the disease.
With increasing research and trials, the potential benefits
of these cells are most likely to exceed the current knowledge. And what do you
think, are they able to ensure the future of medicine?