STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION – NEW TREATMENT APPROACHES

Abstract

A b s t r a c t: Stem cell research still remains one of the most controversialfields of science today on account cell plasticity and its capability of transdifferentiationor de-differentiations to certain tissue types, as well as the clinical application of thisscientific concept. Stem cells derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood or the umbi-lical cords are a common therapeutic approach for treatme nt of haematological malig-nancies as part of established transplant procedures (allogeneic, autologous, syngeneicstem cell transplantation). But recent clinical data have rev ealed the potential role ofstem cells in the treatment of other nonhaematological diseases, degenerative disorders,cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases. The experience with stem cell trans-plantation in haematological malignancies at the Hematology Department, Skopje, hasbeen established since it was set up 7 years ago, with more than 130 patients undergoingtransplant procedures (87 autologous and 43 allogeneic recipients). Encouraging resultswere also reported from the Skopje Cardiology Clinic in the field of intracoronaryapplication of bone marrow derived stem cells for the treatment of patients with acutemyocardial infarction. But this new rout in tissue regeneration should still be furtherextended and evaluated in clinically randomized studies that will confirm the thera-peutic potential of stem cells.