1. STEM CELL OVERVIEW
Stem Cells are primitive cells that are found in animals and humans.They have the capacity to:
- 1. Become another type of cell with a more specialized function such as a blood cell, muscle or nerve cell; or
- 2. Remain in their current stem cell state and replicate
BONE MARROW
Bone marrow stem cells are obtained from the bone marrow of human bones, usually the pelvic bone. These cells have the capacity to become other specialized cells and or tissues.ADVANTAGES
Proven ability to differentiate into various cell types and tissues
Greatest amount of historical data, 36 years of clinical experience
Autologous and allogeneic transplants possible Faster engraftment time than cord blood More stem cells available for one treatmentDISADVANTAGES
Painful and complex harvesting procedures from the donor’s bone marrow Requires an exact tissue match between the donor and recipient Delay often exists between establishing a need for treatment and the time the treatment can be done while a suitable donor is found and cells are extracted – sick patient can become more sick during this time Must be used fresh in most cases Increased potential for graft vs host disease (rejection) - Donor and recipient must have an exact HLA antigen match; otherwise, therecipient will reject the transplant and will die
