Stem cells are special human cells capable of developing into different types of cells, from muscle cells to brain cells. In some cases, they can also repair damaged tissue. Researchers believe that stem cell-based therapies may one day be used to treat serious diseases such as paralysis and Alzheimer's disease.
Hematopoietic stem cells. These are adult stem cells that form blood cells and are found in the bone marrow. Each type of blood cell begins in the bone marrow as a stem cell. Stem cells are immature cells capable of forming other blood cells that mature and function as needed.
These cells are used in procedures such as bone marrow transplants. They help cancer patients produce new blood cells after their hematopoietic stem cells are destroyed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. They can also be used to treat conditions such as Fanconi anemia, a blood disorder that causes bone marrow failure.
Stem cells may improve your health in many ways in the future through many new treatments. Researchers believe that stem cells will be used to help form new tissue. For example, healthcare providers may one day be able to treat patients with chronic heart disease. They could do this by growing healthy heart muscle cells in the lab and transplanting them into damaged hearts. Other treatments could target diseases such as type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. New drugs could also be tested on cells made from pluripotent stem cells.
