Stem cell therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy (pronunciation: stem sel ther-uh-pee) is a type of treatment that uses stem cells to repair damaged cells, tissues, and organs in the body.
Etymology
The term "stem cell therapy" is derived from the English words "stem cell" and "therapy". The term "stem cell" was first used in the late 19th century to describe the cells that form the basis of the development of multicellular organisms. The term "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia" which means "healing".
Definition
Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine. It involves the use of stem cells, which are unique cells that have the ability to develop into many different types of cells in the body. These cells serve as a repair system, replenishing adult tissues throughout a person's life. In stem cell therapy, these cells are used to repair damaged or diseased tissues and organs.
Types of Stem Cell Therapy
There are several types of stem cell therapy, including:
- Bone marrow transplant: This is the most widely used stem cell therapy. It involves the transplantation of bone marrow stem cells, which can produce new blood cells and promote the growth of new marrow.
- Adipose-derived stem cell therapy: This therapy uses stem cells derived from adipose tissue, or fat. These cells can differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells.
- Cord blood stem cell therapy: This therapy uses stem cells derived from the umbilical cord blood. These cells can differentiate into various types of blood cells.
Related Terms
- Regenerative medicine: This is a branch of medicine that focuses on the repair or replacement of damaged cells, tissues, and organs.
- Cell therapy: This is a type of therapy that involves the injection or transplantation of cells into a patient's body to treat a disease or condition.
- Gene therapy: This is a type of therapy that involves the introduction, removal, or alteration of genetic material within a patient's cells to treat a disease.
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