Hematopoietic Stem Cell Applications: Past, Present and Future

ABSTRACT Hematopoietic stem cells have been at the forefront of stem cell research and its applications. Several advancements have occurred in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation since this was first accepted as a treatment for otherwise incurable hematological disorders. The progress in this field is to the extent that it is unfathomable to a single person be it a scientific researcher or a practicing clinician. In this internet era, most patients are also well informed of the utility of stem cells. There is a need to bridge the gap in knowledge of this science between the scientists, physicians and the public at large. This review aims to summarize the advances in hematopoietic stem cell applications. Key messages Hematopoietic stem cells possess the characteristics of self renewal, differentiation, mobilization and apoptosis. The transfer of hematopoietic stem cells to rescue a recipient's hematopoiesis, who has received conditioning with high dose chemotherapy and/or total body irradiation, constitutes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Hematopoietic stem cells can be obtained from the bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. Autologous HSCT involves the infusion of one's own hematopoietic stem cells. An allogeneic HSCT involves the infusion of hematopoietic stem cells from another individual. Depending on the HLA match, the HSCT is of following types: Syngeneic, matched related, matched unrelated and haploidentical. Patient selection and the timing of transplant are the most important factors determining transplant outcomes. Hematopoietic stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells have applications in regenerative medicine as shown in preclinical and early clinical studies. How to cite this article Lad DP, Malhotra P, Varma S. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Applications: Past, Present and Future. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(2):69-74.