Transplantation
Pluripotent stem cells could be
used to create an unlimited supply of cells, tissues, or even organs that could
be used to restore function without the requirement for toxic immuno-suppression
and without regard to tissue matching compatibility. Such cells, when used in
transplantation therapies, would in effect be suitable for “universal”
donation. Bone marrow transplantation, a difficult and expensive procedure
associated with significant hazards, could become safe, cost effective, and be
available for treating a wide range of clinical disorders, including aplastic
anemia and certain inherited blood disorders. This would be especially
important in persons who lost marrow function from toxic exposure, for example
to radiation or toxic agents. Growth
and transplant of other tissues lost to disease or accident, for example, skin,
heart, nervous system components, and other major organs, are foreseeable.
Email
link | Printer-friendly | Feedback
| Contributed by: AAAS DoSER and the Institute for
Civil Society
|
