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Bone Marrow Cancer
Understanding bone marrow cancer first requires an understanding of what, exactly, bone marrow is and its importance within our bodies. Bone marrow refers to the soft and spongy tissue that can be found in the centre of most bones. This spongy marrow contains “immature” blood forming cells called “stem cells” – a commonly heard name as of late in the nears. Blood stem cells, being very much in a nascent form, can develop in one of three ways – into white blood cells which go on to fight infections, red blood cells that will carry oxygen through the body, or platelets which aid the blood clotting process. Bone marrow cancer occurs when uncontrolled mutations occur within cells located in these blood production areas of our bodies, causing uncontrolled growths known as tumors to develop.
There are also different types of marrow cancer, with most cases originating from cancer that has spread to the bone from some other organ. This type is called “secondary bone cancer”, and when this type of cancer is viewed under a microscope it will resemble the tissue from whence it came – whether this be lung, prostate, or some other cancerous growth. Primary bone cancer occurs when the cancer forms in the very cells of the bone itself. This includes such types of cancer as as osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma.
Other types of cancer that originate in the blood forming sections of bone marrow are lymphomas that tend to originate in the lymph nodes, leukaemia which occurs when the bone marrow develops abnormal or mutated white blood cells, and multiple myeloma – a cancer that spreads from the plasma of the marrow.
The principle symptoms of bone cancer might include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness and weight loss, although actual symptoms may well vary from person to person. Symptoms can be very subtle, and as a result the patient may well not present to a health care professional until the cancer itself has spread. Other associated symptoms might include a hard lump situated on the bone, pain, bone tenderness, stiffness or swelling, restricted movement and wheezing breath as well as a general lowered resistance to other infections. It is also important to remember that any symptoms may well vary depending on where exactly the cancer is located and how big it is. Also, the aforementioned symptoms may not necessarily mean that a patient presenting some of them actually has cancer and a thorough examination from a specialist should be sought by a concerned patient.
With regards to treatments for bone cancer several things should be kept in mind. Among them are the age of the patient, the stage the cancer is at and the patient’s overall health during the beginning of the treatment. All of these factors will help to decide which treatment will be best for the patient. Options might include surgery, a bone marrow transplant, IMRT and chemotherapy. Complementary therapies including nutrition therapy and spiritual counseling are also common practices today. Each specific type of treatment should generally be determined by a healthcare professional as appropriate.
Subscribe to the comments for this postBone Marrow Transplant Procedure
A bone marrow transplant is one of the treatment options available to a patient suffering from bone marrow cancer, and the suitability for this type of treatment will be decided by the patient’s healthcare provider. During a bone marrow transplant the diseased bone marrow of the patient is destroyed and healthy bone marrow is inserted into the blood stream of the patient. When a bone marrow transplant is successful the newly-inserted bone marrow travels to the cavities of the larger bones, grafts, and subsequently begins the production of normal blood cells.
In the event that a donor’s bone marrow is not identical to the recipient’s the transplant is referred to as an allogeneic BMT, whereas if the donor is an identical twin of the patient the transplant is referred to as a syngenic BMT. In an allogeneic type of transplant the new bone marrow given to the patient must provide as close a match to the genetic makeup of the patient’s own bone marrow as possible.
In the first stage of compatibility testing blood tests are undertaken to ascertain whether or not the genetic types of the bone marrow match. This is crucial, as if the given bone marrow is not a good generic march it will be rejected as “foreign material” by the patient’s body and will be attacked and destroyed in what can become a life-threatening condition (known as Graft Versus Host Disease – GVHD). Also, the patient’s immune system may attack and destroy the bone marrow in what is known as “graft rejection”.
In order to be successful in most cases a transplant relies primarily upon the fact that the patient is sufficiently healthy to undergo what is a very rigorous procedure. Such factors as the patient’s age, general physical health, their actual diagnosis and the stage of the cancer will all be taken into account when determining the suitability of the transplant procedure.
At this point once a transplant has been decided upon a range of tests will be conducted to be certain that the patient will withstand the procedure, and these will include testing the lungs, kidneys, heart and other vital organ functions to establish a baseline in which to test post-transplant results against. In this way doctors can measure whether or not organ functions have been impaired as a result of the transplant.
The transplant will be undertaken by an expert team of doctors, nurses and support staff that are all experienced in bone marrow transplant procedures and will be able to react quickly to any problems that may occurs. They will also ensure that the patient and their family are given sufficient support before, during and after the procedure.
Irrespective of who provides the bone marrow that is used in the transplant the harvest procedure is the same – conducted in an operating room under a general anesthetic a needle is inserted into the cavity of the iliac crest (rear hip bone), as a large amount of bone marrow can be found here. This is then extracted with the needle for infusion into the patient.
Upon admission for the procedure the recipient will initially undergo a few days of chemotherapy or radiation treatments that will destroy both bone marrow and cancerous cells in order to provide room for the new bone marrow. This is known as the “preparative regime”, and after the chemotherapy or radiation treatment the transplant will take place in which the marrow is infused intravenously into the patient. The transplant does not take place in an operating room as it is not a surgical procedure.
During bone marrow infusion the patient will be continually checked for chills, hives and chest pains. In the two-to-four week period after the transplant the patient and healthcare team will wait for the new bone marrow to migrate to the cavity of the large bones to begin grafting and the subsequent production of normal blood cells. At this time the patient must be carefully monitored, as the initial conditioning prior to the graft and its chemotherapy treatments will have crippled their immune system as well as make them susceptible to excessive bleeding and infection.
Blood samples and tests will be taken in order to monitor functions and general health regularly as well. The patient will spend anywhere up to eight weeks in hospital post-transplant and will also receive antibiotics and blood transfusions in order to prevent and fight any infections. They will also receive platelet transfusions in order to prevent bleeding. The patient will also be protected from bacteria and viruses during this stage, including the preclusion of plants, flowers and fruits from the patient’s room as these often carry bacteria and fungi. Afterwards, should the transplant be successful, the patient will most likely be discharged from the hospital’s care and allowed to return home slowly and have their new immune system re-introduced to the world.
34 Most Important Stem Cell Research Facts
The research into stem cells is an ongoing concern among scientists and researchers, as well as those suffering from a range of currently untreatable conditions. Currently, stem cell research has provided a number of successes, as well as serving to confront a range of medical and wider ethical issues. Because stem cells are such a sensitive topic in many circles many times the facts can be misconstrued, however when examining stem cells and their research consider the following points:
1. Stem cells can be found in the majority of multi-cellular organisms, and they can self-regenerate by both mitosis and differentiation.
2. The stem cells that are found in mammals can be classified as embryonic stem cells found in blastocysts.
3. Cell culture can be utilized in order to grow and develop stem cells into specialist cells
4. Besides having the ability to self-renew, stem cells can differentiate into specialist cell types. This is referred to as “potency”.
5. Embryonic stem cells are cell cultures that are typically around four or five days old. In general, embryonic stem cells are largely untested.
6. An adult stem cell is the type that is found in a fully developed living organism. Adult stem cells are multipotent, and they can create cells similar to themselves as well as differentiated cells. These types of cells have provided reasonable success in the treatment of both blood and bone cancers.
7. Research has indicated that stem cells hold on to their ability to self-regenerate by cellular division. These cells act as the body’s wear and tear mechanism.
8. Due to the fact that stem cells are capable of repairing damaged tissues they are extremely useful in curing some diseases related to heart and brain damage, as well as the spinal cord injuries.
9. Stem cells also potentially have a part to play in gene therapy and the treatment of inherited diseases and conditions. Embryonic cells are reportedly of excellent use in treatments for disorders of the nervous system.
10. The earliest research into stem cells can be traced back to the 1960s, and work done by Joseph Altman and Gopa Das.
11. Joseph Altman and Gopal Das discovered the evidence of neurogenesis in adults, which is basically a form of stem cell activity in the human brain.
12. Altman and Das’ work was followed by the 1978 discovery of haematopoietic stem cells in human cord blood.
13. The first groundbreaking success that underscored the first true success in the field of research into stem cells was the bone marrow transplant that was carried out between two siblings in order to correct severe combined immunodeficiency.
14. 1997 saw research into cancer stem cells validated, when it was shown that leukaemia evolves from haematopoietic stem cells
15. In 2006 a team of English scientists created the first artificial liver cells thanks to the use of blood stem cells from the umbilical cord.
16. The first embryonic stem cells in mice were discovered by Martin Evans, Gail Martin and Matthew Kauffman.
17. Gail Martin is known to have pioneered the phrase “embryonic stem cell”.
18. In 1998 James Thompson created the first-ever human embryonic stem cell line.
19. The injection of stem cells into the human body is not without risk and can cause tumours in certain circumstances.
20. There are currently no proven treatments in the field of embryonic cell research, despite ongoing work.
21. January 2008 saw researchers finally able to develop human embryonic stem cells without killing the embryo.
22. In order to produce embryonic cells an embryo must first be destroyed. This can be difficult, ethically, as an embryo holds the possibility of human life.
23. When in the womb an embryo can develop into a human being, and hence a new life. Therefore, the creation of a many stem cell lines requires that a human embryo must first be destroyed, thereby potentially depriving the right to life.
24. Supporters of stem cell research claim that the sacrifice of an embryo is outweighed by the fact that such embryos are used for the greater good as stem cells in cell therapies and treatments for the suffering.
25. Many stem cell research supports also claim that the argument is not wholly conclusive, as embryos are not technically developed life.
26. Adult stem cells can be obtained from a variety of pregnancy-related tissues, including amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord and the placenta.
27. Stem cells are present in both adults and children from the moment of birth in almost all organs and tissues.
28. Stems cells are very hardy, and there have been cases of neural stem cells being taken from particular areas of the post-mortem human brain as long as 20 hours after death.
29. Stem cells, being a natural “wear and tear” mechanism, are argued by some to be the most natural repair mechanism for many of our bodily tissues.
30. Stem cell usage must be fully differentiated, and adult stem cells only belong in the micro-environment of an adult body while embryonic cells belonging in an early embryo micro-environment rather than in an adult body where they are liable to cause tumours and reactions from the adult body’s immune system.
31. Stem cells are already being successfully used in the treatment and cures of a wide range of different medical conditions, including a range of different cancers, auto-immune diseases, cardiovascular disease, corneal regeneration, immunodeficiencies, degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, stroke and spinal cord damage, certain blood conditions, wounds and injuries such as skull bone repair, gangrene and jawbone replacement as well as liver failure, cirrhosis and chronic bladder diseases.
32. Stem cell research has also produced treatments for a number of birth defect related conditions, as well as the potential to treat long-term nerve damage.
33. Studies indicate that stem cell research could also lead to the possibility of being able to grow and harvest replacement organs, thereby negating the need for agonizing waits on the transplant list for many patients. Some are also opposed to the harvesting organs on ethical and religious grounds.
34. Concerns have also been raised that stem cell research could lead to the possibility of one day cloning humans, or lead to the rise of so-called “designer babies”.
Stem Cell Research Ethics
Stem cell research has become a pioneering practice in recent medical history as a means of providing treatment to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Diabetes. This treatment often involves the taking of embryos that are a few days old, although it can also involve the extraction of cells from human embryos that have been discarded during fertility treatment. All adults and children have stem cells, however embryonic stem cells are thought to be more flexible to work with and more effective in the curing of chronic disease.
The carrying out of stem cell research has been thought to be effective because the introduction of new cells into damaged tissue can both treat disease or injury, and also alleviate human suffering. Currently a few countries such as the US, UK and Japan have either allowed or are considering legislation on allowing stem cell research to occur, however wide criticism has come of the practice with many objectors to the process deeming it unnecessary, immoral and technically illegal.
The government policy currently for countries such as Austria, France, Germany and Ireland is that stem cell research is illegal and that the production of embryonic stem cells should not be permitted. Further criticism has largely come from anti-abortion and ethics groups, as well as the Catholic Church, because it involves the destruction of living human embryos. Using these for scientific and medical research is wrong, these groups argue, because in the case of taking young embryos from a human body this is killing what is effectively a human being that might otherwise have a chance at living.
This is open to debate as supporters of stem cell research argue that at the stage of embryonic development where embryos are extracted we cannot recognize an embryo as a living human being. The argument made is to recognize instead how stem cell research can alleviate suffering in existing human beings, and therefore the end justifies the means.
Further criticism has been made, because there is some call currently in countries such as the US for therapeutic cloning, which involves the creation of human embryos solely for stem cell research in laboratories. Whilst this might serve to remove the unethical suggestion that a human being could ever come of the embryos used in stem cell research there has been much outcry to the suggestion of therapeutic cloning in practice, as it suggests human life becoming devalued and made no different to using rats or any other animal in laboratorial research. There are those who further argue that human tissue used solely for the purpose of laboratory research is wrong because the embryonic tissue could be exploited and ill-used.
Many argue that there are more suitable alternatives to using embryonic life as a means of repairing damaged human tissue such as by using organ and blood donors or by using existing adult stem cells, the technology for which is becoming increasingly advanced and can provide some benefits to treating certain conditions which embryonic stem cells cannot.
For laymans: Stem cells explained
Stem cells and all the things connected with them can get a little confusing for a layman. Many people simply don’t understand what are stem cells, what do they actually do, and where do they come from — even after reading a lot of information about them. Therefore, we present you a couple of videos that we stumbled upon, which explain stem cells in very simple terms. Enjoy.
Benefits of stem cell research
Stem cell research has been a controversial political issue due to some ethical considerations. However, when one looks at it objectively, there are real advantages in using stem cells in the treatment of a whole host of medical illnesses. Some of those uses are already in place, while many others are still in the development stage. The technological advances made in science means that with stem cell research, we have the potential to find cures for practically everything.
Stem cells are unique in that they are “pluripotent”; that is, they have multiple potentialities. This “plasticity” allows them to develop along a multitude of pathways. Starting with a clone of identical stem cells, scientists can turn some cells into heart tissue, liver tissue, brain tissue, blood cells, etc. Consequently, stem cells can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
One of the earliest uses of stem cells was in blood malignancies. Healthy stem cells were harvested from bone marrow and transplanted into ill individuals. The healthy cells would grow and overtake the defective blood cells. Though it was not always successful, stem cell transplantation has become a major therapy in leukemia.
More recently, stem cells have been used to clone tissue, such as skin, to be used as skin grafts for burn victims. Research has also looked at using stem cells to create healthy heart muscle tissue. These cells, when transplanted into a patient who has suffered heart injury from heart attacks, grow into the scar and are able to return normal function to the heart. Stem cell transplants have restored vision and even created new joints. Further research is ongoing in neurological conditions, such as MS and Alzheimer’s. If the development of neural and brain tissue is successful, we may be able to treat these devastating illnesses.
Stem cells are also being used to create “natural killer cells”. In the human body, these cells act to fight infection and search-and-destroy any foreign or abnormal cells. This could be an important development in the fight against cancers and chronic infections.
Stem cells are available from many sources. One of the most common sources is the umbilical cord. Hospitals in the US have programs in place so that parents may request to have the cord blood stored indefinitely, in case it should be required in the future. Parents must pay a fee for the blood to remain in storage. Other sources include bone marrow, fat tissue, and all the other organs. Fat tissue has become a strong contender as a source given the rise in obesity. Human embryos are a good source, but ethical considerations prohibit their use. Nevertheless, human embryos developed through IVF and not used (for whatever reason) are allowed.
The use of stem cells may eliminate the need for animal research in some cases. It provides a better model, because the stem cells allow scientists to view a human model in vitro. Stem cells have also been considered for cloning. While animals have been cloned, it is questionable whether a human has indeed been cloned. There are serious ethical considerations regarding this aspect as well.
Stem cell facts
What are stem cells?
They are progenitor, or “originator” cells. In embryonic development, the earliest cells have the potential to develop into unique cells with distinct functions later. These early cells are called stem cells and they can replicate themselves. As they develop, they become muscle cells, nerve cells, etc.
How do they develop?
Cells transmit and receive information through receptors found on their surfaces. Although it is incompletely understood, environmental and genetic signals send messages to these cells to help them develop specific characteristics of specialized cells. Once the cells become specialized, they can no longer change their function. However, they can reproduce to form new specialized cells. In animal models, as some cells die, others are formed to replace them. Stem cells in the human body serve to produce and regenerate new cells that are required for the maintenance of health.
Where are stem cells found?
Stem cells are readily available in the umbilical cord and placenta of newborns. They can also be found in certain tissues in adults, especially the bone marrow and fat tissue.
How are they used?
Stem cells have been used in research as well as in treatment. The cells are collected and stored under strict conditions. Permission to use stem cells in research is granted by the government. Research focuses on how to promote the development of stem cells into specialized cells in order for them to be used in various circumstances. As a result of such research, scientists have been able to use stem cells in the treatment of many illnesses, most notably cancer. This is most commonly seen in leukemias, when the afflicted patient requires stem cell transplants in order to replace the defective blood with healthy blood cells. Stem cells have also been used to create skin tissue, to be used as grafts in burn victims.
Why the controversy?
It is well-known that President Bush had opposed stem cell research, whereas President Obama has fully endorsed it. However, Mr. Obama has been unable to lift an injunction on the use of stem cells produced from embryonic lines. This is still a politically hot topic.
The fertilized egg is the ultimate stem cell, as it has the potential to become an entire human being. The early embryo is a mass of stem cells, therefore, it is a rich source for these cell lines. Consequently, to use these cells, the embryo must be destroyed. As such, anti-abortion activists strongly oppose the use of stem cells. The ethical rationale behind this stance are beyond the scope of this article, but the stem cell lines approved for use have come from IVF “leftovers”, eliminating this ethical dilemma.
What are potential problems of using stem cells?
Despite the many benefits of using stem cells, there are some real concerns relating to health. First of all, stem cells may be harvested from an individual, treated, then returned to the individual. This is called an autologous or autogenic transplant. If the cells come from another individual, it is called an allogenic transplant. Either way, there is always a possibility that the body may reject the transplant, or the transplant reject the body, more so in the allogenic transplant. Furthermore, stem cells like to aggregate and they can grow out of control, becoming cancerous. In some cases, the overproduction may cause obstructions. This is potentially dangerous in blood vessels.
How do stem cells work
Stem cells refer to be undeveloped cells that are located within an embryo that have the potential to develop into any cell of a living organism. These are highly versatile and are useful to newly developing creatures due to the fact that all living organisms must use these in order to have the ability to form any other specific type of cell the organism may need — be it a nerve cell, tissue cell, brain cell or other cell form a body may require.
Stem cells are generated during the reproduction phase of a creature and are most often found particularly in human embryos when talking about human stem cells. Make no mistake, however, in assuming that humans are the only creatures that have stem cells as all living organisms that produce offspring must have these basic cells present in order to generate new young.
The application of stem cells to modern science and biology studies came about through developments into DNA studies and molecular manipulation. As scientists gained a better understanding of not only human DNA but DNA in general it allowed them to speculate more and more about what possibilities altering an organism’s DNA might have as a whole if applied directly to other cells by the manipulation of their nucleus or the center that holds the DNA for the cell’s operation.
This is, most studies into the development of stem cells has gone into essentially replacing a stem cell’s nucleus — or DNA blueprint – with a targeted cell nucleus to force the stem cell to generates new cells based upon the nucleus’ specifications. Because of this positive advancements in the areas of medical treatment in regards to ailments that may have previously been seen as impossible to treat have come about, such as being able to adequately treat nerve damage or other permanent damage to body cells that simply cannot reproduce and repair on their own.
At the same time stem cell research and treatments have brought about a large number of ethical debates due to the belief that stem cells are part of a new life of a creature as they’ve primarily originate from a fetus. In a human’s case that means that stem cells with the widest range of medical application come from a developing fetus, which in turn raises many ethical questions amongst both scientific and religious groups worldwide.
Regardless, research into stem cells has been conducted through scientific organizations around the world and has shown some positive benefits and improvements in the treatment of many diseases and illnesses, such as the ability to even return memory to patients who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The question still remains however of whether or not the practice is to be continued by scientists due to do its potential negative impact on human life if embryos are harvested too extensively for research and application to medical practices.
Of course an alternative to embryonic stem cells also lies in the usage of the adult stem cells that remain dormant in the heart, brain and lungs and other organs of developed human beings and other animals. While these cells have less flexibility in medical application that can still prove useful in treating a number of different diseases and have even helped treat a number of critical cases such as diabetes and other bodily functions as a result of the inability for the human body adequate chemicals. The only drawback is that while adult stem cells offer much less of an ethical debate than fetal stem cells they also have a much narrower aspect of application, therefore the cost of each must be weighed carefully with the benefits.
How to donate bone marrow
Donating bone marrow is a great step you can take to help save lives. Thousands of patients with leukemia and other blood related illnesses depend on bone marrow donors to ave their lives. Currently, there is a Bone Marrow registry available for anyone in the United States who wishes to become a bone marrow donor. Once you are placed on this list, you are among thousands of donors like yourself who are offering their bone marrow to someone in need. If you are selected, there are a few different steps involved.
1. The first step is getting on the registry. Anyone age 18 – 60 with the appropriate health is eligible to become a bone marrow donor. You’ll need to complete a short health survey as well as give a swab of cheek cells in order to determine whether or not you’re fit for the registry.
2. Everyday, doctors search the bone marrow registry to find close matches for their patients. If you are chosen as a potential match for a patient, the bone marrow registry will contact you. If you agree to proceed with the donation, you’ll be scheduled for additional testing. During this testing, you’ll learn more about the donation process, as well as the risks and side effects which are associated with it.
4. If you agree to the donation after receiving all the information, you’ll be given a physical to make sure the donation is safe for you. Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure in which you’ll receive anesthesia. The marrow is collected using special hollow needles which draw the liquid marrow from the back of your pelvic bones.
5. If a peripheral blood donation is requested instead of a bone marrow transplant, for up to five days before your donation you’ll receive daily injections of a drug called filgrastim. This moves your blood-forming cells out of your bone marrow and into your bloodstream, allowing for easier collection.
6. Some side effects do occur, such as soreness and tenderness in the lower back for a few days. Many donors are back on their feet and into their normal routine a couple of days after their donation. Your bone marrow is completely resorted within four to six weeks and you’re eligible to donate again.
After the donation, you’ll receive follow ups at first weekly, and then annually afterwards. If you wish to remain on the registry, you may do so and be given the chance to help someone else in need.
Can I sell my bone marrow
Selling any part of your body to science or other individuals requires you to go through rigorous testing to make sure you are a perfect match for the intended recipient. Selling bone marrow can generate extra cash, but there are things you should know before you decide to go through with the procedure.
First, your HLA tissue type must be determined. This is guarantee whether or not your bone marrow would be beneficial to someone with an illness, and whether or not your bone marrow could be transplanted into that individual. This testing does cost money, but the end result is that you’re helping to save lives. Bone marrow and peripheral blood cells are in high demand for people with leukemia and other blood related diseases. If you are found to be a perfect match for someone in need, the process of removing some of your bone marrow is very minor.
A small needle is inserted into the back of your pelvic bone and only requires general anesthesia. There is no surgery and no stitches involved and you will only feel slight discomfort as the bone marrow is removed. Your age, weight, and other health factors will help determine how much bone marrow you can sell or donate. During this process, peripheral blood cells are also removed through a process called apheresis. This simply means that your blood is removed and passed through an apheresis machine to separate the blood-forming cells, with your remaining blood being returned to your body afterward.
Before you can begin this type of donation, you’ll likely be asked to take a certain injection each day, four or five days prior to your donation so that your blood-forming cell count will be higher, yielding a better collection from your body than if you did not take the drug.
So who’s eligible for this kind of donation? Law requires bodily donors to be between the ages of 18 and 60, and willing to donate to any patient which requires assistance from the blood cells collected from your body. The process is an in and hour procedure and does not last more than a few hours. Payment varies on several aspects, including whether or not your bone marrow will be used for a patient or science, as well as how healthy you currently are.
Selling bone marrow is not for everyone, and if you have a history of certain diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, you’ll likely find yourself ineligible to perform this kind of donation.