Introduction and Basic Concepts in Stem Cell Research and Therapy: The Facts and the Hype

Stem cells play critical roles in biological processes, such as tissue development and homeostasis; they also present great promise toward promoting breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Stem cells may be used to explore disease modeling, for screening of new drugs, and for the treatment of intractable diseases. The transition of stem cell biology from basic research to clinical applications has involved both hope and hype. Indeed, premature application of stem cell therapy as a clinical “cure-all” without sufficient experimental, preclinical, or clinical research has led to shady practices and false promises. While this is, understandably, fueled by patients in need of cures for unmanageable chronic and degenerative diseases, hype-based practices have promoted the spread of clinically unproven therapies. These therapies may have no impact on the disease process or may result in devastating outcomes. Stem cells may ultimately have the capacity to treat intractable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, hematopoietic disorders, and immunodeficiency disorders. However, and despite significant promise, there remains a need to elucidate numerous misunderstandings associated with stem cell therapy and to define the current barriers and obstacles faced by those involved in stem cell research and its therapeutic applications. As such, the main goal of this chapter was to provide the reader with an overview of basic concepts in stem cell research and review the facts and the unfortunate hype with respect to current clinical applications and disease treatments.