Stem cell therapies use different cell types depending on the condition and treatment goals. Below are the main categories and how they’re used clinically.
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Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)
Highly pluripotent cells derived from early-stage embryos. They can become virtually any cell type, which makes them powerful for research and potential therapies.
Use: Primarily research and clinical trials; ethical & regulatory considerations apply.
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Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells
Found in adult tissues (bone marrow, fat/adipose). They are multipotent — useful for tissue-specific repair with lower ethical concerns.
Use: Widely used clinically (orthopedics, hematology, regenerative procedures).
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Umbilical Cord / Placental Stem Cells
Readily available, ethically uncomplicated cells with good regenerative potential and lower immune rejection risk than some sources.
Use: Increasing clinical use for immune and regenerative therapies; good allogeneic option.
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. iPSCs combine pluripotency with the potential for patient-specific therapies (lower rejection).
Use: Advanced research and emerging clinical applications; promising for personalized medicine.