John Bovill Obstacles

Obstacles To Stem Cell Treatment

• According to the National Institutes of Health, to be useful for transplant purposes, stem cells must be reproducibly made to:
  • Proliferate extensively and generate sufficient quantities of cells for making tissue.
  • Differentiate into the desired cell type(s).
  • Survive in the recipient after transplant.
  • Integrate into the surrounding tissue after transplant.
  • Function appropriately for the duration of the recipient's life.
  • Avoid harming the recipient in any way.

Immune Rejection

• One reason stem cells are not widely used is the potential risk of immune rejection during any procedure involving stem cells.
  • The risk and potential damage to the body caused by this phenomenon currently outweighs the benefits of stem cell use.
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Difficulties in the Creation of Stem Cells

• Producing stem cells that are effective is often quite difficult.
  • Developing usable stem cells is currently very time consuming, expensive, and inconsistent.
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Table of Contents

• Stem Cell Overview
• Potential Uses
  • Stem Cells As a Research Tool
  • Cell Based Therapy
• Obstacles
  • Immune Rejection
  • Difficulties in Creating Stem Cells
• References