The Pros And Cons Of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy, also known as bone marrow transplant, is an increasingly common procedure that while causing great controversy, continues to save lives. The idea of using “stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition,” began decades ago, when the fear of losing one’s bone marrow to nuclear radiation was a worrisome topic. Scientist discovered that high amounts of radiation would not only destroy the bone marrow but internal organs as well, meanwhile, those who were exposed to lower, controlled levels of radiation would be likely to survive a bone marrow transplant. As expected whenever a new discovery comes into light, scientists became intrigued by the idea and it was in the 1960s that E. Donnall Thomas of New York began to experiment with radiation therapy prior to bone marrow transplant. Even with

In this situation, the new immune system is not able to recognize the recipient’s body and proceeds to attack it. While this disease can be deadly, research is being done to determine whether or not the administration of the aforementioned drug, cyclophosphamide, can aid to kill the cells causing GVHD. Scientists theorize that if administered before and after the bone marrow transplant, the drug can kill the defective cells but not the stem cells needed in the growth of new cells. If this research is successful, there may be a day when doctors will be able to have a successful bone marrow transplant between non-matching donors. While this research is still in development, great advances have already been made. Ten years ago, more than half of the patients diagnosed with bone marrow failure disorders were destined for death. Now, with advanced technology and research, only a third of said patients are likely to face such dire situations. While it’s a great improvement, it is only but a small step forward in the procedure we know as stem cell