Can stem cell therapy replace chemo?
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Stem cell therapy, while promising in many areas, is not a replacement for chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Each type of therapy has distinct roles and mechanisms. Here's what experts say:
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Stem Cells and Cancer Cells: Stem cells have the potential to protect cancer cells and might even help them evade conventional treatments like chemotherapy. For example, cancer stem cells are particularly resilient and can recruit normal cells to become cancerous, contributing to cancer recurrence and metastasis 1.
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Use in Conjunction with Chemotherapy: In some cases, stem cell therapies are used alongside chemotherapy. This approach can be particularly potent as stem cells can help rebuild the immune system, potentially recovering faster from the effects of chemotherapy 2.
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Potential and Risks: Stem cells are generally robust and capable of significant repair and regeneration. However, there is a concern about their potential to go "rogue" or develop undesirable mutations if manipulated outside the body 2.
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Advanced Therapies and Research: Research in stem cell therapy is ongoing, and it shows potential in specific scenarios, such as with natural killer cells and dendritic cells in cancer treatment, which are part of the immune system helping to target cancer cells 3.
In essence, while stem cell therapy offers exciting opportunities for cancer treatment, it doesn't currently replace chemotherapy but can complement it in certain treatment protocols. The continuation of research and clinical trials will further elucidate their role and capabilities in cancer therapy.
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