Alternative treatments are sought for diseases where conventional treatments may be harmful or less effective than the illness itself. This is particularly relevant for diseases that cannot be treated with medication or where treatment options cause significant harm to the patient. Stem cell therapy, which uses a person’s own cells or those closely matched to them, is intended to repair damaged cells with new cells. This method is often explored for complex diseases like leukemia. Continue reading our article for more information on stem cell therapy.
Every cell in the human body has a function, which enables life. However, new cells need other cells to be produced. The cells that generate other cells are called stem cells. Stem cells divide to form daughter cells, which may develop into new stem cells or become specialized cells that fulfill various bodily functions. The locations and functions of stem cells in the body are as follows:
Thanks to their ability to transform into necessary cells when needed, stem cells offer treatment possibilities for many diseases. The potential benefits of stem cells include:
Stem cells are present throughout a person's life. Adult stem cells start appearing in the human body from the embryonic stage and can be used whenever needed. These stem cells are found in small amounts in tissues such as bone marrow and fat.
Embryonic stem cells are derived from a cluster of cells formed 3-5 days after fertilization. These stem cells are more capable of differentiation than adult stem cells and can differentiate into more cell types.
These blood stem cells are used to renew blood cells that are destroyed during chemotherapy, especially in people undergoing treatment for leukemia. Stem cells taken from the patient before chemotherapy are reinjected after chemotherapy.
Mesenchymal stem cells are found in every organ of the body. Their primary role is to transform into cells that form bone, fat, and connective tissue to repair the body. They are especially being researched for treatments in orthopedic diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Stem cell therapy is the process of using stem cells to treat a disease. The method applied in stem cell therapy is often a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, performed through bone marrow transplantation or cells derived from umbilical cord blood. For stem cell transplants, a healthy donor whose cells are compatible with the patient is needed, usually a family member with similar tissue. Healthy stem cells from the donor are transferred to the patient through allogeneic transplantation.
First, the patient’s health is assessed for eligibility for the transplant. Then, the cells to be used for the transplant are collected from the donor. A needle is inserted into the bone marrow or fat tissue is obtained through liposuction to collect the cells. After being extracted from the donor, the cells are concentrated, properly expanded, and prepared for injection. Before the transplant, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is administered to prepare the body. The prepared donor stem cells are then transplanted, with effects expected to begin within a few weeks.
Stem cell therapy can help improve certain diseases and, in some cases, extend life expectancy. Stem cell therapy may be used in situations where the body cannot produce enough blood cells, the bone marrow or blood cells are diseased, or stem cells have died. It can be applied to treat both cancer and non-cancerous conditions. Diseases where stem cell therapy may be used include:
Stem cells enable the formation of cells with specific functions. They also help regenerate damaged tissues. Although stem cell therapy is widely applicable, research on it continues. Every day, new information is obtained about its benefits and potential risks, and treatment opportunities are reassessed. Not all stem cells are used in stem cell therapy; the stem cell must have the ability to differentiate and continuously renew itself. Suitable stem cells injected into a specific organ or tissue begin to regenerate that area, while also fighting the disease affecting that organ or tissue, thus accelerating the healing process. These stem cells can be sourced from bone marrow or cord blood and may also be developed in a laboratory setting.
When stem cell therapy is recommended by a doctor, the procedure should be performed in a hospital specialized in this area. Stem cells collected are modified in a laboratory to match the tissue for transplantation. However, the stem cells injected into the body do not automatically locate and heal problematic areas; they work within the transplanted organ and must be compatible with it. Although the human body naturally renews itself, stem cell therapy may be needed to aid in the treatment, as the body's natural renewal speed and the number of stem cells may not be sufficient to combat the disease. Adult stem cells, not embryonic ones, are used for treatments; these adult stem cells may be sourced from bone marrow or fat tissue. Embryonic stem cells are typically used for laboratory research, requiring fertilized eggs from in vitro fertilization centers.
As stem cell therapy does not involve surgery, anesthesia is not used, and the risk of complications is low. However, this does not mean it is without risk. Since injections may cause infection or nerve damage, it is important to choose a skilled doctor. Additionally, recovery time to return to normal life is shorter. However, it is crucial to inform the doctor of any medications being taken before the procedure. After the procedure, the patient may experience mild pain for a few weeks, but the effects of the therapy are not immediate. While stem cells start working within a few weeks, visible improvement may take between six months and one year.
Stem cell therapy, which can be officially used for treating certain diseases and is being researched for many others, is also available in our country. However, before choosing this treatment option, it is essential to carefully select the doctor and hospital performing the procedure.
Last Updated Date: 16 November 2022
Publication Date: 16 November 2022
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