STEM CELL THERAPY
1. Context
The Delhi High Court Thursday (August 31) permitted two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo stem cell therapy for treatment of their condition. The order came in a petition moved by family members of the two children, challenging a December 6, 2022 recommendation of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) against the use of stem cell treatment for ASD.
2. What are stem cells?
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various specialized cell types in the body.
- They serve as the foundation for all other cell types and play a vital role in tissue regeneration, repair, and growth.
- Stem cells can be broadly categorized into pluripotent stem cells, which can become any cell type in the adult body, and adult stem cells, which are specific to certain tissues or organs and can only generate cells related to that organ.
- Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells can be created from mature adult cells and exhibit properties similar to embryonic stem cells.
- Stem cells hold great promise for medical research and therapies due to their regenerative capabilities.
3. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a medical treatment that harnesses the unique properties of stem cells to promote healing and regeneration in the body. Here are some key points about stem cell therapy:
- Types of Stem Cells: Stem cell therapy primarily uses two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can also be used, which are reprogrammed adult cells with properties similar to embryonic stem cells.
- Applications: Stem cell therapy has a wide range of potential applications, including the treatment of various diseases, injuries, and medical conditions. It is being researched for conditions such as heart disease, neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and tissue damage.
- Regenerative Potential: Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cell types, such as neurons, muscle cells, or blood cells. This regenerative potential is harnessed in therapy to replace or repair damaged or dysfunctional tissues.
- Sources of Stem Cells: Stem cells can be sourced from various places in the body, such as bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, or even umbilical cord blood. Embryonic stem cells are derived from early-stage embryos.
- Procedure: In a typical stem cell therapy procedure, stem cells are either harvested from the patient's own body (autologous) or obtained from a donor (allogeneic). They are then processed and prepared for injection or transplantation into the target area or tissue.
- Challenges: Stem cell therapy faces several challenges, including ethical considerations (especially for embryonic stem cells), the risk of rejection in allogeneic transplants, and potential complications. Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these treatments is an ongoing concern.
- Research and Clinical Trials: Stem cell therapy is an active area of research, and many clinical trials are conducted to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Regulatory authorities closely monitor and regulate these trials to ensure patient safety.
- Future Potential: While stem cell therapy has shown promise in various medical fields, it is important to note that it is still an evolving and experimental field. Continued research and development are needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.
- Personalized Medicine: Stem cell therapy holds the promise of personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup and medical history.
- Ethical Considerations: The use of embryonic stem cells has raised ethical concerns due to the destruction of embryos. As a result, research has shifted towards alternative sources like induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells.
4. How stem cells are used in medicine?
- Stem cells are used in medicine for their regenerative abilities, referred to as regenerative medicine.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been employed for over 90 years to treat conditions like leukemia and lymphoma.
- After chemotherapy or radiation therapy damages healthy cells, healthy donor bone marrow reintroduces functional stem cells to generate normal blood cells.
- Adult stem cells in tissues have limited division capacity once removed from the body.
- Scientists are working on manipulating adult stem cells to exhibit pluripotent stem cell characteristics to expand treatment possibilities.
5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and challenges related to social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. ASD is often referred to as a "spectrum" because it can manifest in a wide variety of ways, with varying degrees of severity. Some common characteristics of ASD include:
- Social Difficulties: Individuals with ASD may have trouble with social interactions, such as understanding social cues, making eye contact, and developing peer relationships.
- Communication Challenges: ASD can affect both verbal and non-verbal communication. Some individuals with ASD may have delayed speech development, while others may have difficulty with conversation and understanding language nuances.
- Repetitive Behaviors: Many people with ASD engage in repetitive behaviors or routines. This can include repetitive movements (like hand-flapping), insistence on sameness, and intense focus on specific interests.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Individuals with ASD may have heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or tastes.
6. Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Treatment for ASD is typically tailored to the individual's specific needs and can include the following approaches:
- Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral interventions, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), are often used to help individuals with ASD develop social and communication skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and promote adaptive behaviors.
- Speech and Language Therapy: For individuals with speech and language difficulties, speech therapy can help improve communication skills, including expressive and receptive language.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists work with individuals to address sensory sensitivities and develop fine motor skills necessary for daily activities.
- Social Skills Training: Specialized programs and therapies can help individuals with ASD improve their social interactions and develop appropriate social behaviors.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms associated with ASD, such as anxiety, aggression, or repetitive behaviors. These medications are typically prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Educational Support: Children with ASD often benefit from specialized educational programs tailored to their needs, such as individualized education plans (IEPs) or special education services.
- Parent Training: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with ASD. Training and education programs can help parents learn strategies to manage behaviors and support their child's development.
- Early Intervention: Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes for individuals with ASD. Starting therapy and interventions as early as possible can be highly beneficial.
7. Stem Cell Therapy for ASD: Current Status
- Some experts suggest that stem cell therapy could benefit Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by regulating the immune system and enhancing neural connectivity in the brain.
- Stem cell treatment for ASD is experimental and not widely used. Initial clinical trails have produced mixed results.
- The lack of sufficient data and evidence has led the Evidence-Based Medicine Review (EMRB) to recommend against its use.
- Stem cell therapy carries risks, including adverse reactions and painful side effects, which are not well-understood in the context of ASD treatment.
- There is no established protocol for using stem cell therapy to treat autism, and long-term effects are not well understood.
- EMRB raised concerns about "predatory marketing" offering false hope to parents regarding a potential cure for ASD.
- The High Court does not comment on the overall validity of stem cell therapy for ASD but allows ongoing treatment to continue in specific cases. The National Medical Commission (NMC) will make the final decision based on the NMC Act.
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For Prelims: Stem Cells, Stem Cell Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB), National Medical Commission (NMC), and Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the current status and potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), considering the scientific evidence, ethical considerations, and the need for further research and regulation. (250 words).
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Previous year Question1. With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2012)
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
3. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
