STEM CELLS

Stem Cells in Cancer Research

Abstract

In this study, the analysis strives to explore the concept of stem cells in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on stem cells and its significance in cancer research. In addition, the study analyzes the history of stem cells in cancer research. The research also analyzes many aspects of stem cells research and tries to gauge its effect on the cancer treatment. The research describes various categories through which stem cells research is carried out in order to assist cancer treatment. The study signifies the importance of embryonic stem cells, plasticity of stem cells and teratomas in order to facilitate cancer research. Moreover, the study presented the controversies aimed at stem cells research and the ethical consideration of the research. According to diverse sources, stem cells research is a sophisticated process when used in a cancer research. In order to harvest stem cells from a lymphoma victim, the patient is given medicines that encourage the rapid growth of the body's blood cell reserves. After a few days, the patient's blood is drawn off and immediately run through a special machine that separates out the stem cells. The bulk of the blood is rapidly returned to the patient's body, and the fluid carrying the retrieved stem cells is frozen and stored. When the cancer therapy is completed and the procedure's tendency to kill healthy cells is past, the patient's own stem cells are transfused back into the body and begin to rebuild a healthy supply of blood.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

The History of Using Stem Cell in Cancer Research4

Implication of Stem Cell Cancer Research5

Embryonic Stem Cells5

Teratomas6

The Plasticity of Stem Cells8

The Controversy over Stem-Cell Research8

Ethical Issues for Using Stem Cell in Cancer Research9

Conclusion9

References11

Stem Cells in Cancer Research

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the significance of stem cells in cancer research. The paper aims to explore diverse dimension concerning stem cells; in addition, the paper discusses the importance of stem cell research to cure cancer. The stem cells aid in the healing process of injuries by regenerating the lost areas of the body. Broken bones, ripped muscles, cut or scratched skin and other possible damages are covered with stem cells of the body. They regenerate forming into the specialized cells (muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells, skin cells, etc.) to make up for the loss. Stem cells are further categorized in terms of their sources. Adult stem cells, or somatic stem cells, are found within different types of tissues. These remain in a dormant state for years until stimulated by a disease or injury.

In the late 1950s, doctors were desperate to discover a treatment for leukemia, the cancer that attacks white blood cells. Leukemia causes white cells, the body's main defense against infection, to undergo periods of uncontrolled growth. This alarming increase in the number of white blood cells deprives red cells, platelets, and other blood components of vital nutrition. As these weakened cells die, the blood gradually becomes unable to sustain the ...