Stem cells are quite a boon for the mankind’s welfare. Surely many of you may have come across the benefits and challenges in stem cell therapy; while some may not. I know many thousands of people are curious to know more about this transforming therapy and likewise they look on to google, the internet basically. I’ll try my best in delivering what’s needed – factual and trustworthy information.
Stem cells
are cells found in our body just like other cells; what sets them apart is
their ability of regenerate and differentiation. Regeneration is the ability
of the cell to renew itself after cell division or injury. The later is the
ability to specialize in a generic cell/tissue. Food and Drugs Association
(FDA) approves stem cells as drugs, the only difference is that stem cells are
live cells that can divide, grow and move in and around your body.
It is true
that this therapy is not free from challenges. With the onset of this therapy, your
doctors have little to no control over how it will react. Different types of
stem cells come with different risks and outcomes. Various unanticipated risks
include what if they start growing and form tumor, they may specialize into
different type of cells and many more. It can be helpful or harmful; the point
here is it cannot be controlled.
As a curious
bee myself, I am excited as everybody to see the potential of this therapy. The
preclinical trials showed encouraging results and promises to be effective
against a number of diseases such as bone marrow transplant for blood cancer,
heart complications and neuro-degenerative diseases. Stem cells are injected by
doctors into your body or muscles wherever it is required.
It is good
to stay curious and ask many questions till your doubts are cleared. Refrain
from those clinics and physicians who try to make you believe that stem
cells treatment is a cure-all therapy. They just want your bucks. Here’s
what you can do. First and foremost, make sure to figure out whether the
treatment is FDA approved or not. Secondly, ask them to show results or data as
previous patients that shows the treatment is safe and effective. If they do not
answer any one of the two questions, there’s a high probability that is a hoax.
Refuse to believe anything until they provide you evidence.
Of course
times are changing and it won’t stay the same 5-10 years from now, but this us
the reality now. These unregulated stem cell clinics
wants your money and worst case scenario will endanger your or your loved
one’s life.
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