The Pros And Cons Of Stem Cell Therapy

The Biotechnology of Stem Cell Therapy

There has been a large number of research projects that have developed since the 1960’s when Stem Cells were originally discovered. As more research was conducted a new form of biotechnology was developed, Stem Cell Therapy. There are multiple factors that have directly impacted the rate of the research being conducted; the Genetic modification discovered in part by the Human Genome project as well as both the negative and positive societal impacts. There is still a large way to go before many of the potential uses of Stem Cells as a cure for many diseases/illnesses but the possibilities are endless.

Uses of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy is not a new medical process, as some forms have been around

There are two distinct types of stem cells; pluripotent, that can develop into any type of cell in the body, which are embryonic stem cells and multipotent, that can develop into multiple types of specified cells based on the tissues they come from, these would include adult stem cells (Canadian Stem Cell Foundation 2014). Within research the best type of stem cells to use are the embryonic cells as they develop into any cell, but the ways in which researches obtain the cells have lead to the controversy as the main way to obtain them is from embryos, this involves three methods. The first being that they manipulate stem cells from embryos to create stem cell lines, by removing the cells before they specialize and separating them in a lab new stem cells begin to develop, a theoretical never ending cycle. The second option is to skip the regrowth process and use donated embryos from in vitro fertilization clinics that would otherwise just become wase. The last option is to create embryos with the intended use being stem cells and not allowing them to develop into a fetus. As you can likely tell the ethical issue arises with destroying human life for research (Hug,2015).

The current risk of Stem Cell transplants are similar to the risk of Organ Transplants. As with both a foreign object is being implanted into the body and with intensive studies to ensure that the best match is found the risk is still present. Some side effects of Stem Cell transplants include Stem Cell graft failure, infertility, new cancers, infection and organ damage. (Mayo Clinic,2015). This disadvantage leads to the idea of is the risk outweighing the benefits, is there other options that could be tested as a cure for the current