Hematopoietic Stem Cells are multipotent stem cells with the remarkable capability to differentiate into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. They possess the essential characteristics of self-renewal and replication, whereby one cell can divide into two cells, resulting in a doubling of their population. Hematopoietic stem cells are responsible for the continuous renewal of blood, generating billions of new blood cells daily.
HSCs can be sourced from various places, including cord blood, bone marrow, and peripheral blood from adults. They are primarily utilised in the treatment of blood and immune disorders, such as blood cancers and thalassemia, among others.
| Cord blood | Bone marrow | Peripheral blood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Umbilical cord and placenta | Bone marrow tissue | Peripheral blood |
| Stem cell age | 0 years old | Same age as donor | Same age as donor |
| Immune rejection | Low | High | High |
| Side effect | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pain | No | Highly invasive | Highly invasive |
Before a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy are employed to eradicate cancer cells in patients. Subsequently, autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells are infused back into the patient’s body, facilitating the restoration of immune system. Over recent years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation technology has significantly advanced and gained recognition within the medical community. It is now extensively applied in the treatment of conditions like leukemia and severe hereditary immune diseases.