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Replacing Damaged Cells with Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cells or stem cells are touted as a new treatment method for various diseases, such as cancer and degenerative diseases. Behind the great potential expected from stem cells, this method is still widely debated and information has not been widespread. The main role of stem cells in medicine is as a transplant material. Stem cell transplants are carried out by implanting stem cells as healthy cells to replace damaged cells, and are used to treat certain diseases.

Types of Stem Cells

Every cell in a human organ has its own role and characteristics. Before becoming adult cells that have specific functions, these cells originate from stem cells. These cells will divide to form other cells called daughter cells. Cleavage can occur in the body or laboratory. These daughter cells can then be formed into two types, namely new stem cells (the process of self-replication) or cells with special functions (the process of differentiation). Adult cells that already have specific functions for example brain cells, blood cells, and bones, and heart muscle.

Use of Stem Cells

Broadly speaking, stem cells are researched and developed for the following medical issues:
  • To replace cells that have been damaged by various diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, burns, and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is because stem cells have the potential to be transplanted to develop into new cells and tissues.
  • To find out the effectiveness and safety of medicines.
  • By observing the process of maturity of stem cells into cells in the body's organs, doctors and researchers might be able to understand how a disease arises.

Some Stem Cell Sources

Where did these cells come from? The stem cells used can come from several sources, namely:

  • Embryonic stem cells

    • Derived from 3-5 day old embryos which at that time generally only have about 150 cells. These cells have more ability to develop into a variety of body cells than adult stem cells. Although it is more effective, the taking of stem cells from embryos is still debated from an ethical standpoint.

  • Perinatal stem cells

    • These stem cells are obtained from amniotic fluid or on the umbilical cord of the fetus in the mother's womb, which can be taken at delivery. Stem cell storage can be done by freezing in a laboratory for later use if the child suffers from a disease caused by blood disorders, such as leukemia.

  • Adult stem cells

    • Obtained from a small portion of body tissue, such as fat or bone marrow. Recent research has found that adult stem cells in certain body parts actually have the possibility of developing into other limb cells. For example, stem cells from the spinal cord can create heart muscle cells or bone.

  • Genetically modified pluripotent stem cells

    • With the advancement of biomolecular technology, adult cells can now be reprogrammed to resemble embryonic cells that have stem cell characteristics. These cells can divide into other stem cells, or become specific cells in the body.

Stem Cell Transplant Method

At present, stem cells have been used for treatment methods, namely bone marrow transplantation. In this method, stem cells are planted to replace cells damaged by disease or due to chemotherapy. Also as a method to fight cancer cells, for example in leukemia. Below are two types of transplantation methods that are commonly used. Which type will be chosen depends on the needs and results of the doctor's examination.

  • Autologous stem cell transplantation

    • Using stem cells originating from the patient's own body which are taken then frozen and stored before the patient starts therapy which can cause side effects of damage to the patient's natural stem cells. The advantage of this type of stem cell, is less risk of rejection when the body receives stem cells, and fewer side effects. New blood formation takes place faster. While the drawback, is that cancer cells may not completely disappear, or carry over to stem cells taken from the body so that they can attack when the stem cells are put back into the body.

  • Allogenic stem cell transplantation

    • This type uses donor stem cells, usually from volunteers or relatives. Usually this transplant is used if an autologous transplant is not successful, or to treat aggressive leukemia and lymphoma. The advantages of stem cell transplants are cells that are free of cancer, because it has created a new immune system that continues to grow and is able to kill cancer cells. The drawback is the risk of greater side effects and slower recovery, because the body can reject donor stem cells. Formation of new blood can also take place more slowly.
The method to be chosen will usually depend on the age and health of the patient, the type and severity of the disease, whether the patient has siblings, and the level of marrow damage due to radiation or chemotherapy.

Risk of Stem Cell Transplantation

Based on the type of disease, type of transplant, age and condition of the patient, stem cell transplantation carries a variety of risks of side effects and complications that have the possibility of fatal. Some people may feel few side effects, while others who undergo the same type of transplant can experience serious complications. Here are some risks that can arise:
  • Embryonic stem cell development can become irregular or spontaneously develop into various cell types.
  • Graft-versus-host disease, which is when a patient's immune system considers a donor stem cell as a foreign object and rejects the cell. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, canker sores, loss of appetite, organ damage, jaundice are some of the main signs of graft-versus-host disease.
  • Infection.
  • Infertility.
  • The emergence of new cancer.
  • Cataract.
  • Stem cell transplant failure.
  • Dead.
Stem cell transplants must be performed according to medical procedures, at hospitals that do provide this service. However, there are still many transplants that are not carried out by competent parties, creating dangerous risks. The following are some of the characteristics of transplant providers that cannot be trusted:
  • The source of stem cells is not clearly documented.
  • Stating that stem cells can treat all diseases.
  • Claiming that no risk will be posed.
  • Set high prices. In stem cell transplants which are still included in experimental treatment methods, the price of the procedure should not be too high.
  • Explanations regarding the procedure steps are inadequate.
  • What are the policies, regulations, and reviews of cell transplants and service providers in your location.
In summary, to date whether the benefits of stem cell therapy outweigh the risks remains a question that must be proven through medical research. Patient accuracy is needed and information search as broad as possible so that treatment does not actually become a potential danger. If you have further questions about the method of stem cell therapy, you can consult a doctor

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