Stem cell therapy is all over the news, from medical publications to social media, and with good cause. It’s being referred to as one of the most innovative medical advancements of our era. But what is it? Simply put, stem cells are unique cells in our body that have the potential to develop into many different kinds of cells, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells. That is, they are able to repair or replace injured tissues.
We are going to outline here in this article exactly how stem cell therapy works using simple and straightforward language. No technical science jargon, straightforward explanations so you can really get what makes this treatment so promising and why so many expect it to revolutionize the future of medicine.
What Are Stem Cells and Their Types?
Stem cells are unique cells in our body that can become any different cell type. They are a system of repair, replacing old or injured cells. Stem cells differ from normal cells because they keep on dividing and creating new cells for a number of years.
Physicians and researchers are researching stem cells because they possess the ability to cure many diseases and injuries. Here are the types of stem cells that can be used to treat several medical conditions:
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
These are regular cells that researchers reprogram to act like embryonic stem cells. They have the ability to grow into nearly any cell of the body.
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Located within bones, they produce blood cells that fight infection, transport oxygen, and prevent bleeding.
- Umbilical Cord Tissue Stem Cells
Recovered from the umbilical cord at birth, these cells have the ability to develop into any tissue, such as nerves, muscle, and skin.
- Adipose Tissue Stem Cells
Resurfacing from body fat, the cells are capable of developing into cartilage, muscle, or bone cells. The cells are readily accessible to be taken out and utilized for cosmetic and healing treatment.
Working Steps of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell treatment also does it step by step, both for safety and effectiveness. This is how it usually goes:
- Stem Cell Collection: Doctors first collect stem cells. These can be collected from the patient’s own body (like bone marrow or blood) or from a donor. In certain cases, umbilical cord blood can be used.
- Processing of Stem Cells: Stem cells that are collected are taken to a laboratory. There, the stem cells are washed, checked for quality, and processed for application. Undesirable cells are removed so that only healthy cells remain.
- Stem Cell Activation: In some therapies, doctors “activate” the stem cells to prepare them better to grow and repair. This is done with specific solutions, growth factors, or particular laboratory conditions.
- Delivery of the Stem Cells: The prepared stem cells are then delivered into the body of the patient. This is done by injection into the blood, into a damaged tissue directly, or through surgery.
- Migration and Repair: Stem cells migrate into the damaged area once they are within. They become the kind of cells needed, i.e., muscle, nerve, or cartilage cells, and start repairing the tissues.
- Monitoring and Recovery: After treatment, doctors monitor the patient to determine how well the body heals. Follow-up visits enable tracking of improvement and safety of the treatment.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is researched and applied to assist with treating numerous health issues. It accomplishes this using unique cells that are able to differentiate into various body tissues. Below are some conditions where stem cell therapy could be of assistance:
- Joint Issues: Can repair worn-out cartilage in knees, hips, or shoulders.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Can aid in nerve repair and enhance movement in certain instances.
- Heart Diseases: Can assist in repairing the damaged heart cells following a heart attack.
- Blood Disorders: Employed in the treatment of disorders such as leukemia or anemia.
- Skin Burns: Can assist in regenerating new skin cells to heal faster.
- Eye Diseases: May assist in regaining vision by repairing the damaged cells in the eye.
Closing Thoughts
Stem cell therapy is achieved through the use of special cells that are capable of developing into various types of body cells. They replace or mend injured tissues, and the body heals naturally. It has the potential to be used as a treatment for a variety of diseases, but it is still under research to become safer, more efficient, and available to the masses in the future.