We have added a new poll on the front page about Stem cells.
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
What are the risks?
A major consequence of stem-cell transplants is suppression of the immune system, which means the body's defense mechanisms are completely wiped out. Therefore, the common cold or a normally harmless virus could lead to a serious, and even life-threatening, infection. To ward against this, hospitalization is required until all treatment is completed, but this doesn't insure protection against infection or other complications.
In addition, there is a risk that the transplanted cells will not repopulate successfully. This could mean that you can be left with no or a partially effective immune system.
Because of these risks, death occurs in five to 15 percent of all stem-cell transplants.
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