Stem cells: What you need to know

In the mid-2000s stem cell research became one of the biggest hot-button topics in medical research.

The debate has grown quieter since then. But stem cell research is alive, well and as full of possibilities as ever, reports Health Cleveland Clinic.

Below are a few common myths about this research — and the facts that debunk them.

Myth 1: Stem cell research is illegal

Not so. In fact, stem cell research  is legal and flourishing in the United States.

Myth 2: All stem cells are the same

When you hear “stem cells,” you probably think of embryonic stem cells. But a lot of research focuses on other types.

Embryonic stem cells are powerful because they are pluripotent. They can develop into any type of cell in your body. But they’re often controversial because of their origin.

Researchers have successfully used umbilical cord stem cells — taken from a newborn’s cord blood — to treat leukemia and other blood disorders. In 2012, researchers transformed them into other types of cells for the first time. This breakthrough could open the door to treating multiple diseases.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) show promise, too. These adult cells are genetically reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells. Researchers create them directly from a patient’s cells, so they provide an exact genetic match. In the future, iPS cells could provide therapy for everything from Parkinson’s to cardiovascular disease. There’s a hurdle to clear first, though. iPS cells sometimes become cancer cells — making them too dangerous for patient therapy now.

Myth 3: Adult stem cells are better than embryonic stem cells

In truth, researchers invest time and hope in embryonic stem cells for a reason: flexibility. With the right techniques, doctors can direct them to become virtually any type of cell needed for treatment.

Myth 4: Stem cells only help patients with Parkinson’s or spinal cord injuries

Research has moved far beyond a handful of diseases. Cleveland Clinic’s Jeff Cohen, MD, is leading a study that uses stem cells purified from bone marrow to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. The product is currently in clinical trials to treat stroke patients.

The list goes on. Stem cells could one day heal ailing hearts, repair damaged muscles, reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms and improve transplant outcomes. Researchers are also looking in unexpected places for stem cells — such as discarded hip joints after replacement surgery and in fat cells removed after liposuction.

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