Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Rapid Communication - Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy (2024) Volume 7, Issue 3

Personalized medicine: The role of stem cell transplantation in modern healthcare.

Salem Al-Kindi *

Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman

*Corresponding Author:
Salem Al-Kindi
Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
E-mail: Kindi.sa@squ.edu.om

Received: 03-Jun -2024, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-24-138048; Editor assigned: 04-Jun-2024, PreQC No. AAJCIT-24-138048 (PQ); Reviewed:18-Jun-2024, QC No. AAJCIT-24-138048; Revised:24-Jun-2024, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-24-138048 (R); Published:01-Jul-2024, DOI:10.35841/aara-7.3.211

Citation: Al-Kindi S., Personalized medicine: The role of stem cell transplantation in modern healthcare. J Cancer Immunol Ther. 2024;7(3):211

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy

Introduction

In the era of personalized medicine, treatments tailored to individual patients have revolutionized healthcare, offering targeted therapies that maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects. Among the most promising advancements in this field is stem cell transplantation, a transformative approach that harnesses the regenerative potential of stem cells to treat a wide range of diseases. This article explores the pivotal role of stem cell transplantation in modern healthcare and its implications for personalized medicine [1].

Stem cell transplantation, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation, involves the infusion of stem cells into a patient to replace or repair damaged tissues or organs. Stem cells, with their unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types, hold immense therapeutic potential for regenerating diseased or injured tissues [2].

Stem cells can be derived from various sources, including bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. In autologous transplantation, stem cells are harvested from the patient's own body, while allogeneic transplantation involves using stem cells from a donor. Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated from adult cells reprogrammed to exhibit embryonic stem cell-like properties, offer another valuable resource for transplantation [3].

One of the key principles of personalized medicine is tailoring treatment strategies to individual patients based on their unique characteristics, including genetic makeup, disease subtype, and response to therapy. In the context of stem cell transplantation, personalized approaches encompass several aspects: For allogeneic transplantation, identifying a suitable donor with compatible human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing is crucial to minimize the risk of graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Donor selection may involve searching registries of volunteer donors or using family members as donors [4].

The conditioning regimen, consisting of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, is administered prior to stem cell transplantation to eliminate diseased cells and create space in the bone marrow for donor stem cells to engraft. The intensity and composition of the conditioning regimen are tailored based on factors such as disease stage, patient age, and comorbidities [5].

Innovative graft manipulation techniques, such as ex vivo T-cell depletion and selective depletion of alloreactive T cells, aim to reduce the risk of GVHD while preserving the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. These strategies are tailored to individual patients to achieve optimal balance between graft tolerance and antitumor activity. Personalized supportive care measures, including infection prophylaxis, nutritional support, and management of treatment-related complications, are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient throughout the transplant process, from pre-transplant evaluation to long-term follow-up [6].

Stem cell transplantation has revolutionized the treatment landscape for hematologic malignancies, offering curative options for patients with diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), for example, allogeneic transplantation offers the potential for long-term remission and cure, particularly in patients with high-risk disease features or relapsed/refractory disease [7].

Personalized approaches to stem cell transplantation in hematologic malignancies involve stratifying patients based on disease risk factors, molecular markers, and response to previous therapies. For instance, patients with AML characterized by specific genetic mutations, such as FLT3-ITD or NPM1, may benefit from targeted therapies in combination with transplantation to improve outcomes [8].

While stem cell transplantation has traditionally been associated with the treatment of hematologic malignancies, its applications extend far beyond oncology. Inherited genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and primary immunodeficiencies, are now being targeted with stem cell transplantation to correct underlying genetic defects and restore normal function [9].

Moreover, autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes, are being tackled with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) to reset the immune system and induce remission. Personalized approaches to AHSCT involve selecting patients based on disease severity, progression, and response to conventional therapies [10].

conclusion

Stem cell transplantation represents a cornerstone of personalized medicine, offering targeted therapies that address the specific needs of individual patients. With its ability to regenerate damaged tissues, modulate immune responses, and potentially cure life-threatening diseases, stem cell transplantation has revolutionized the treatment landscape across a spectrum of conditions. As we continue to unravel the complexities of stem cell biology and harness the power of personalized approaches to therapy, the role of stem cell transplantation in modern healthcare will only continue to expand. By tailoring treatment strategies to the unique characteristics of each patient, we can unlock new avenues for personalized medicine and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

References

  1. Bradley MB, Cairo MS. Cord blood immunology and stem cell transplantation. Hum 2005;66(5):431-46.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  2. Passweg JR, Baldomero H, Bader P, Bonini C, Cesaro S, Dreger P, Duarte RF, Dufour C, Kuball J, Farge-Bancel D, Gennery A. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Europe 2014: more than 40 000 transplants annually. Bone Marrow 2016 ;51(6):786-92.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Martino G, Franklin RJ, Van Evercooren AB, Kerr DA, Stem Cells in Multiple Sclerosis (STEMS) Consensus Group. Stem cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis: current status and future prospects. Nat Rev Neurol. 2010;6(5):247-55.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Ishii T, Eto K. Fetal stem cell transplantation: Past, present, and future. World J. Stem Cells. 2014;6(4):404.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Lee SJ, Klar N, Weeks JC, Antin JH. Predicting costs of stem-cell transplantation. J Clin Oncol. 2000;18(1):64.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  6. Tabbara IA, Zimmerman K, Morgan C, Nahleh Z. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: complications and results. Archiv Intern Med. 2002;162(14):1558-66.

    7. Google Scholar

  7. Gratwohl A, Baldomero H, Aljurf M, Pasquini MC, Bouzas LF, Yoshimi A, Szer J, Lipton J, Schwendener A, Gratwohl M, Frauendorfer K. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a global perspective. Jama. 2010;303(16):1617-24.

    8. Google Scholar

  8. Lee SJ, Fairclough D, Parsons SK, Soiffer RJ, Fisher DC, Schlossman RL, Antin JH, Weeks JC. Recovery after stem-cell transplantation for hematologic diseases. J Clin Oncol. 2001;19(1):242-52.

    9. Google Scholar

  9. Devine SM, Hoffman R. Role of mesenchymal stem cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Curr Opin Hematol. 2000;7(6):358-63.

    10. Google Scholar

  10. Attal M, Harousseau JL, Facon T, Guilhot F, Doyen C, Fuzibet JG, Monconduit M, Hulin C, Caillot D, Bouabdallah R, Voillat L. Single versus double autologous stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. N Eng J Med. 2003;349(26):2495-502.

    11. Google Scholar

Get the App