by What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into specialized cells with specific functions such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or bone cells. They exist in all multicellular organisms and have the unique ability to renew themselves through cell division. Stem cells have two defining properties – they are unspecialized and they have the ability to renew themselves through cell division while maintaining the potential to develop into specialized cell types.
Types of Stem Cells
There are two main types of stem cells – embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from early stage embryos known as blastocysts. They have the potential to mature into any cell type in the body. Adult stem cells or somatic stem cells are found in various tissues in the body like blood, skin and intestines. Unlike embryonic stem cells, they can only differentiate into specific cell types of the tissue they originally came from. Cord blood stem cells are derived from umbilical cord and placenta blood after a baby is born and have characteristics between embryonic and adult stem cells.
Benefits of Stem Cell Banking
Stem Cell Banking offer potential treatment for a variety of diseases like blood disorders, cancers, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, and many genetic disorders. Stem cell banking allows individuals and families to store and preserve their stem cells from cord blood and tissue for potential future use. Some key benefits are:
Availability for Future Treatment: Storing stem cells today ensures their availability for potential future diseases or conditions for which stem cell treatments may become an option in years to come. Diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s etc. are currently incurable but stem cell research is exploring new treatments. Banked stem cells provide a backup option for one’s own healthcare.
Matches Genetically: A person’s own stored stem cells are the best match compared to anyone else’s. Matched stem cells have a very high chance of acceptance by the body with minimal risk of rejection. This is especially important for conditions like blood disorders, immune diseases and leukemia which require stem cell transplants.
Younger Cells: Banked stem cells are collected and frozen at the time of birth from cord blood or tissue. They are undifferentiated and at their youngest stage with highest potential and viability. As people age, their own adult stem cells reduce in number and function. Younger stem cells stored at birth have greater therapeutic potential if needed later in life.
Peace of Mind: Stem cell banking provides insurance against future uncertainties. With advancements in research, stem cell therapies are expected to treat many more conditions in years to come. Banking stem cells today ensures a stored supply of one’s own, young and genetically matched cells which can be lifesaving in case of serious diseases requiring stem cell transplant. This offers significant peace of mind and hopes for families.
Logistics and Costs of Stem Cell Banking
The two main sources of stem cells for banking are cord blood and cord tissue. Cord blood is easier to collect and more widely banked currently. The stem cell collection process after childbirth is simple and does not harm the baby or mother.
The cost of stem cell banking ranges between $1000 to $3000 for initial collection, processing and first year of storage depending on the bank and collection method. Additional annual storage fees of $100-200 are charged thereafter as long as the stem cells are stored. Majority of costs are covered for 20-25 years of storage duration. Some health insurance plans may provide reimbursements for stem cell banking expenses.
Families must choose an accredited stem cell bank that follows highest quality and ethical standards. The bank will provide collection kits, process and test the stem cells before cryopreservation at ultra-low temperature (below -180°C). Samples are stored in controlled storage tanks with back-up power systems. Tracking and safety protocols ensure stem cells remain undamaged, anonymous and available if needed in future.
Stem Cell Research Challenges and Future Outlook
While stem cell therapies hold promise, significant research challenges remain before they can be applied widely. Some key challenges include:
Directing Stem Cell Differentiation: Scientists are exploring ways to efficiently guide stem cells to become specific cell types like insulin-producing cells for diabetes. Control over stem cell fate remains a bottleneck.
Potential Tumor Formation: When stem cells multiply rapidly, tumors can develop. Safe methods need validation to prevent tumor risks post transplantation.
Immune Rejection: Preventing immune rejection of non-autologous or genetically altered stem cells post-transplant requires further progress in controlling the body’s immune response.
Scalability and Standardization: Establishing consistent, well-validated methods for large scale stem cell cultivation, genetic manipulation and transplantation are critical for commercial development.
Cost Effectiveness: Developing affordable, accessible stem cell therapies requires innovation and policy support across research, manufacturing, and healthcare systems.
With continued advancements, stem cell therapies are projected to play an increasing role in treating chronic and currently incurable diseases. Stem cell banking offers option to secure one’s own cells for potential future personalized medicine applications. As research progresses, it will transform from being a backup into frontline treatments over the next decade. Though challenges remain, the future of stem cell based regenerative healthcare is closer than ever before
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
