Question 1

what is stem cell used for now that research is ok?

Accepted Answer

Current stemcell use: If i understand your question correctly, as to the current use of stem cells, clinically they are primarily used in aesthetic procedures like stem cell augmented fat transfers, and also in treating orthopedic conditions, such non-union of bone and arthritis.

Question 2

what is stem cell research controversy all about? cant it help?

Accepted Answer

Stemcell controversy: All humans first start as a fertilized ovum, which is totipotent ("potential to become every cell"). After several days, it grows into an embryo, comprised of embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are described as being pluripotent ("potential to become a wide variety of cells"). The main controversy has to do with the use of human cells, abortions, and the ethics of using these cells.

Question 3

what is stem cells used for with cancer?

Accepted Answer

Stem cells: Stem cells are cells in the body with the capacity to differentiate into many (pluripotent) or all (totipotent) cell types.  Often, they are harvested from bone marrow for blood cancers (leukemias), the residual marrow destoyed to remove the blood cancer, and then the marrow is re-populated with the non-cancerous stem cells to replace all the cells that were killed, cancer-free.

Question 4

what is stem cell therapy?

Accepted Answer

Stem cell therapy: It involves the use of stem or pluripotent cells that, under the proper triggers, can grow into many different cell types. Stem cells are transplanted to replace damaged cells or tissues in the body that are unable to heal themselves. While this type of therapy does offer hope, it is mostly investigational at this time and very few stem cell therapies have been proven to be both safe and effective.

Question 5

what is stem cell transplantation used for now?

Accepted Answer

Leukemias, etc.: It is a medical procedure in hematology and oncology, most often done for patients with certain cancers of the blood or bone marrow, like multiple myeloma or leukemia. In these cases, the recipient's immune system is usually destroyed with radiation or chemotherapy before the transplantation. Graft-versus-host disease is a major complication.  This is reserved for life threatening conditions.

Question 6

what is stem cell transplantation's status in the u.s. now?

Accepted Answer

Used non-manipulated: Use of adult mesenchymal stem-stromal cells (mscs) are currently in clinical trial in us/internationally.  Trend is toward use of fat derived mscs, havested by liposuction, isolated and concentrated in tissue culture.  Early reports suggest significant improvement in neurological, autoimmune and organ functions.  Many more mscs in fat than bone marrow making ad-msc the center of most research now.

Question 7

what is stem cell breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

Using your fat: Excessive panicle of abdomen which no one wants , also has stem cells besides fat cells, when removed by liposuction , that is transferred to fill the breast to larger size , called adipose tissue transfer with stem cells .No proof these stem cells transform to breast cells , ducts, ligaments etc , theoretically as they are totipotent , stem cell has potential to transform to any tissue or organ.

Question 8

what is a stem cell definition?

Accepted Answer

A starter cell: A stem cell is a cell that produces more specialized cells.  If you imagine all of the possible finished cells as leaves on a tree, with in between cells as the branches, the stem would be the trunk.

Question 9

what is an undifferentiated stem cell? how are these used in medicine?

Accepted Answer

See below: An undifferentiated cell is one that has not yet committed to developing into a particular type of mature cell. Stem cells are routinely used in the treatment of bone marrow disorders like leukemia, myeloma and lymphomas.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 10

what is an autologous stem cell transplant and am i a candidate for one?

Accepted Answer

Means of treatment: In some cases, the best way to treat the disease, especially if it has come back after initial treatment is to use doses of chemotherapy or radiation which is high enough to destroy normal bone marrow cells. To "rescue" these cells, they are stimulated with drugs before high dose therapy that cause very immature cells called stem cells to enter the blood where they can be collected and given back.

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