Stem Cell Banking - Adult Stem Cells


	Stem Cell Banking


		Adult Stem Cells and their Potential

	Stem cells are one of the more interesting yet controversial topics in the field of medical advancements these days but adult stem cells play a more promising role in terms of results and they don’t have any of the controversy associated with them as in the case of embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells have produced most of the documented therapeutic trial successes and adult stem cells don’t have many of the negative side effects that have been shown with embryonic stem cell trials. Most adult cells in the body are mature and their function can not be changed. Stem cells are different. They are still at an early stage of development and retain the potential to turn into many different types of cells. Different types of adult stem cells possess these characteristics and can be used to treat many different disorders. At present, there are over 70 diseases and disorders that can be treated by adult stem cells. Most of these disorders that can be ameliorated or cured by adult stem cells are in the field of blood disease and immunology.

Adult stem cells are showing great promises and have advanced to phase III clinical trials in many other medical fields. Today we have seen successful treatment using adult stem cells in the areas of bone and cartilage regeneration, lupus and heart disease. Some of the conditions which scientists believe may eventually be treated by adult stem cell therapy are Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, burns and spinal cord damage.

Unfortunately, adult stem cells do not always receive their due recognition and attention in the media because they do not stir up controversy. Adult stem cells are, however, proving to show just as much promise and hope, if not more, as embryonic stem cells. Medical technology would be wise to incorporate uses for both adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells in order to insure a thorough examination of the potential of both entities.

The next five to ten years is extremely optimistic concerning stem cell technology and the medical therapy that can result from research in the field of adult stem cells. Adult stem cells play an essential role in the future and we should start seeing less debate and more clinical success.


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