Scientific Basis for Stem Cell Therapy

Abstract

Stem cells have a proven record of safety and efficacy over the past 50 years of research. Regenerative therapy continues to be an extremely active field of basic science and translational research with significant promise in treatment of previously untreatable pathophysiology. The fast development in epigenetics, genetic engineering technologies, and 3D printing is opening new frontiers in advancing the utility of stem cells, and minimally invasive technology provides a platform for clinical application with promising results. This chapter outlines the basic characterizations of stem cells, reviews their history and supporting evidence, and explores some of the clinical applications currently under investigation.