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| Diseases & conditions where stem cell treatment is showing promising signs of success |
Stem cell research has been taking place for years and was first used 40 years ago as treatment. Mainly due to conflicts in ethics, progress in stem cell research and testing has been limited. Now a new study reveals that the treatment of patients with the aide of cells may one day become as common as it is now to treat the sick with drugs engineered from proteins, antibodies, or smaller chemicals.
Cells are adaptable. This allows them to vary their responses to better suit physiologic conditions, unlike drugs which are currently available. The use of human and microbial cells as therapeutic entities deserves serious consideration. The only established use of stem cells has been bone marrow transplant. This is used in the treatment of leukemia. There are currently no approved treatments using embryonic stem cells.
Contrary to popular (misinformed) beliefs that surround the use of stem cells to treat diseases, the truth is that stem cells may have potential uses that can save more lives than the embryos destroyed in the process of growing them. From strokes to deafness to cancer. Scientists also have their doubts about the usefulness of stem cells. There are scientists who are concerned about stem cells contributing to the development of tumors if used in humans.
The social and scientific uncertainty surrounding stem cells could be overcome through public debate, future research and further education of the public. But the focus has got to be on removing the ethical constraints imposed on stem cell research by motivating that the potential benefit to humanity is far greater than the risks involved.
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