As cancer rates are expected to increase by 45 percent over the next 20 years, scientists are hoping that stem cells may be what is needed to slow down the rate. They are hoping to do so by tricking the body into believing that introduced stem cells are potential cancer cells. The body then develops antibodies specific to cancer. Simply put, the stem cell vaccine prepares the body to fight cancer naturally.
Vaccinations Containing Stems Cells Build Immune Response Against Colon Cancer
The researchers discovered that by vaccinating mice with a specific line of stem cells, they were able to elicit a response in the mice’s immune system. The immune response targeted and destroyed colon cancer cells. The basis of the research is the similarity between the cancer cells and the stem cells. (Li.Y, Hui.Z, Ren-He.X, Bei.L, Z.Li. “Vaccination with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Generates A Broad Spectrum of Immunological And Clinical Response Against Colon Cancer”. Stem Cells, July 30, 2009)
Stem Cell Vaccinations May Prevent Lung Cancer
In another study, researchers used mice that were transplanted with lung cancer cells and mice that had been exposed to carcinogens as subjects. Both groups of mice failed to develop cancer after being vaccinated with stem cells. This research and other similar studies have showed promise in developing vaccines against other forms of cancer (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (2006, November 8). Vaccination With Embryonic Stem Cells Prevents Lung Cancer In Mice. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
Stem Cell Vaccine Treatments
Stem cell therapy still has a way to go before it makes it into mainstream medicine. If stem cells have the same capabilities of reproducing like cancer cells, then introducing stem cells into the body may have some serious implications.
- The human body does not recognize the stem cell and this research banks on that fact. As a result, the body develops an immune response against the stem cells. What if the stem cells start multiplying as fast as cancer cells and the body’s immune system cannot keep the stem cell growth in check?
- In some cases the stem cells have triggered a response in the host that has caused the host to attack its own cells.
It is hoped that stem cell research will help turn cancer cells around or help destroy cancer cells through the use of stem cell vaccines but what will help keep the stem cells in check and keep them from turning rogue and becoming cancerous?
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