Stem Cell Treatment for CancerStem cells have been used in treatments designed to replenish blood and immune system cells after cancer treatment using chemotherapy. However stem cell treatment for cancer per se is a relatively new concept. Scientists speculate that stem cells may be used as vehicles for delivering anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells. In an article Professor Riccardo Fodde of the Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands discussed the viability of neural stem cells as delivery vehicles for anti-cancer drugs. In the article titled, “Stem cells and metastatic cancer: Fatal attraction?", Dr Fodde demonstrated in a mice study that neural stem cells could be used to help deliver anti-cancer drugs to metastatic cancer cells. Although the system is still in its infancy, this discovery has excited scientists who are now considering stem cells as potential delivery vehicles for anti-cancer drugs into areas of the body like the brain where it is not possible to directly inject these drugs. The use of stem cells in cancer treatments is mainly focused on stem cell transplants. These stem cells are matched with the recipient in order to avoid the risk of rejection and are then transplanted into the body through a drip into a vein in a manner similar to blood transfusion. Some of the cancers that have been treated by stem cell transplants include: * Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia * Acute Myeloid Leukemia * Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia * Chronic Myeloid Leukemia * Germ Cell Tumors * Hodgkin's Lymphoma * Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma * Multiple Myeloma * Renal Cell Carcinoma * Testicular cancer Cancer therapy has entered into new era with treatments being "customized" to the specific type of cancer affecting the patient. Stem cell treatment for cancer is an exciting advancement in treating the dreaded condition. However it must be stressed that it will be sometime before the treatment becomes commonly available to patients.
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