Stem cell therapy
- Kaylee Mak-lin
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are self-renewing cells, meaning that they can make cells that can become other cells by differentiation.They are found in almost all tissues of the body and are very important in maintaining tissue repair after any injuries. Stem cells can be used as a medical treatment where the undifferentiated cells can be utilized to develop into different cell types in the body as needed. The goal of stem cell therapy is to use the regenerative and reparative capabilities of stem cells to treat or manage diseases that only have limited treatment options available. Because stem cells are able to develop different cell types, replace themselves, and repair tissue, healthcare providers can use stem cell therapy to treat diseases and conditions like blood cancer and broken bones.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Most of our stem cells are found in bone marrow where these stem cells turn into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Once these have matured they can move into the peripheral blood. Transplanting healthy stem cells into your body can help bone marrow to function properly if it is damaged or destroyed and cannot make blood cells normally.
For a successful stem cell transplant, the donor’s stem cells must match the recipient’s as closely as possible, transplants can still be done if there is not a perfect match but the closer the donor and recipient, the higher chances of success. The closest matches are usually between close family members, but if no match is available, then an unrelated donor can be used. Stem cell matches are determined by DNA markers called Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) where these can be found on the surface of white blood cells. Unrelated donors typically find matches within a shared ethnic group and the general public can register with the Canadian Blood services Stem cell registry and donate a sample of DNA to join the pool if you match with someone in need.
What are the different types of stem cells?
There are two main classes of stem cells, pluripotent that can become any cell in the adult body, and multipotent that are limited to becoming a certain population of cells. Multipotent stem cells have been divided into further subtypes where some can become only cells of a particular germ line or tissue (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm).
How are stem cells collected?
The harvesting of stem cells is derived from the bone marrow, the peripheral blood, or the umbilical cord. From bone marrow, stem cells are most often taken from the pelvic bones as they contain the largest supply of stem cells and the most bone marrow available.
From the peripheral blood, because blood does not normally contain many stem cells, growth factors can be given to stimulate stem cell growth and production to move from blood to the bone marrow.
From the umbilical cord, the blood of newborn babies typically has a large number of stem cells, so following birth, the blood leftover in the placenta and the umbilical cord can be collected.
What can I do?
As mentioned prior, the general public can donate a sample to the Canadian Blood services Stem cell registry and if there is a match with someone in need, they will reach out to confirm whether you would like to and/or are able to donate stem cells. By registering, there is not always a guarantee that you will be a match with someone, but the more in the pool, the more chances those in need have available. Registration joins a worldwide pool, so by donating a sample you can help on a global scale. Another way you can help patients is to donate blood. Many patients who need stem cell transplants are also in need of blood as part of their treatment. As well, simply spreading awareness and the word about the possibilities of stem cells helps in many ways!
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