Cell-based therapies adult stem cells

Volume II, Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells, provides an analysis of various types of stem cells and their therapeutic potential. It concentrates particularly on embryonic and neural stem cells. This volume covers the broader potential of adult stem cells its biology, significance and potential for therapy. This volume also describes the potential of stem cells for autologous transplantation, the stem cell theory of carcinogenesis, particularly the existence of brain tumor stem cells, and the therapeutic potential of gene therapy for cell-based therapy. 

Another novel cardiovascular therapy that has recently come into play is the use of stem cell delivery. These approaches have thus far involved the use of gene delivery mechanisms to essentially force embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocyte differentiation with the goal of producing a cardiac pace-making cell (Arruda et al., 2004). Researchers are also developing methods for utilizing seeded adult mesenchymal stem cells as an implanted base to act as a depot for the delivery of localized gene therapies (Arruda et al., 2004). 

Tumorigenicity studies are also needed for certain cell therapy products based on the specific product attributes and clinical indications. Somatic cell therapy includes cells from various sources such as adult cells derived from the individual being treated (autologous), cells donated from one human to another (allogeneic), and cells from an animal source and used for human treatment (xenogeneic). Stem cell therapy includes cells derived from a variety of adult... 

Tuan, R. S., G. Boland, and R. Tuli (2003). Adult mesenchymal stem cells and cell-based tissue engineering. Arthritis Research and Therapy 5(l) 32-45. 

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