'Stem cell banking is now gaining acceptance'

Stem cell therapy is indicated in treatment of patients suffering from haematological conditions. About 40 doctors from across the globe will take part in a meet on ‘Stem cells preservation and its application’, organised by Cryo Save on Thursday, where they will discuss the future of stem cell therapy and research. DNA spoke to Dr MS Ganesh, head, department of oncology, Vydehi Institute of Oncology on the eve of the meet.

What are the current treatment options in stem cell therapy?
Stem cells are used mainly in haematological disorders to regenerate haematopoietic cells. These include non-cancerous blood disorders like thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia and malignancies like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. They are also used to treat cancers like paediatric neuroblastomas. One of the exciting prospects of stem cell therapy lies in its capacity to regenerate important tissues like cardiac muscle, nervous
system tissues and pancreatic tissues.

Who are eligible for treatment? What are the factors considered?
Till date, stem cell therapy is clearly indicated in treatment of patients suffering from aplastic anaemia, thalassemia, lymphomas and myelomas. In other patients, stem cell therapy has to be carried out under trial settings. These include using them to regenerate cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction, neuronal tissue following stroke and pancreatic tissue function augmentation in juvenile diabetes. The main factors considered for treatment give clear indication that  such therapy should exist. The treatment itself is safe. Autologous stem cells (one’s own stem cells) are always preferred to allogenic stem cells (stem cells donated by others).

What are the complications of stem cell treatment?
Most of the complications arise from allogenic stem cell transplantation. They include infection, hepatic veno occlusive disorders, mucositis, graft versus host disease, rejection of transplant and in rare cases severe cardiac illness, following transplant. Autologous stem cell therapies are rarely associated with any serious complications.

How important is stem cell banking in today’s world?
Stem cell banking is progressively gaining importance and acceptance. It is the most straightforward way of providing natural pluripotent stem cells either to the same individual, if it was stored for personal use or as a pooled source for allogenic purpose. With the number of lifestyle disorders increasing, stem cell banking may be an important source for needy patients.

What are the alternative sources apart from cord blood banking?
The adult bone marrow and peripheral blood are the two commonest sources of stem cells apart from cord blood.