Stem-cell therapy: Difference between revisions
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
CSV import |
||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
[[Category:Therapy]] | [[Category:Therapy]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
<gallery> | |||
File:Stem_cell_treatments.svg|Stem-cell_therapy | |||
File:Stem-cell-injection-knee-ama-regenerative-medicine.jpg|Stem-cell_therapy | |||
</gallery> | |||
Latest revision as of 01:32, 18 February 2025
Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. The most well-known type of stem cell therapy is bone marrow transplant, but some therapies derived from umbilical cord blood are also in use.
History[edit]
Stem-cell therapy has been in use since the late 20th century. The first successful bone marrow transplant was performed in 1968, and since then, stem-cell therapy has been used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease.
Types of Stem Cells[edit]
There are several types of stem cells that can be used in therapy, including:
- Embryonic stem cells: These are derived from embryos. Most embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that have been fertilized in vitro and then donated for research purposes.
- Adult stem cells: These are found in small numbers in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow or fat.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells: These are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state.
Applications[edit]
Stem-cell therapy has been used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
- Blood disorders: Stem cells have been used to treat diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Research is ongoing into the use of stem cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS.
- Spinal cord injuries: Stem cells have been used to promote repair and regeneration of the spinal cord after injury.
Risks and Controversies[edit]
Like all medical treatments, stem-cell therapy carries risks, including the risk of rejection if the stem cells are not a good match for the patient. There are also ethical controversies surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
