Stamcellsterapi

Stamcellsterapi, or stem cell therapy, refers to medical approaches that use stem cells to repair, replace, or restore function in damaged tissues. The best established application is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in which blood-forming stem cells reconstitute the bone marrow and immune system after high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Stem cell therapies also involve cellular products and regenerative strategies, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other progenitors. Treatments may be autologous, using the patient’s own cells, or allogeneic, using donor cells. Common sources are bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and umbilical cord blood collected at birth.

Indications vary by country but include hematologic cancers (for example, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) and marrow failure syndromes. Allogeneic HSCT carries a risk of graft-versus-host disease, while autologous transplants reduce that risk but may not address all diseases. For regenerative indications, MSC-based therapies are studied for orthopedic, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions; evidence ranges from established to experimental, and many uses lack robust proof of benefit.

Process and risks: collection, processing, and testing of cells, followed by infusion and, in many HSCT cases, a conditioning regimen. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, organ toxicity, relapse of the underlying disease, and in allogeneic HSCT, graft-versus-host disease. Regulatory status varies; some stem cell applications are approved, while others are experimental or offered by providers with limited evidence.

Research directions focus on improving cell sourcing, delivery, safety, and expanding approved indications, while ensuring quality and consistency in manufacturing.