Hematopoetic Stem Cell Treatment and Comparison of Stem Cell Sources

Hematopoetic Stem Cell (HSC)

Stem cells harvested from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood.

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Treatment methods used to destroy diseased white blood cells.

HSC Transplantation

Process of transplanting HSCs back into the bone marrow to replace white blood cells.

Differentiation

The ability of HSCs to transform and form new healthy white blood cells.

Patient's Own HSCs

The use of the patient's own HSCs reduces the risk of immune rejection in transplantation.

Stem Cell Sources

Embryo, Cord blood, Adult.

Extraction Ease

Embryo obtained from excess embryos, Cord blood easily obtained, Adult difficult to obtain.

Extraction Ethics

Embryo requires destruction, Cord blood harvested at birth, Adult can give permission.

Growth Potential

Embryo has almost unlimited potential, Cord blood has reduced potential, Adult has limited capacity.

Tumor Risk

Embryo has a higher risk, Cord blood has a lower risk.

Differentiation Capacity

Embryo can differentiate into any cell type, Cord blood and Adult have limited capacity.

Genetic Damage

Embryo has a lower chance of genetic damage compared to adult cells, Adult cells can accumulate mutations.

Compatibility

Embryo cells are not genetically identical, Cord blood cells are genetically identical to the patient.

Arguments for Therapeutic Cloning

Potential for future discoveries, curing diseases/disabilities, less rejection and death, ability to take stem cells from embryos.