Editorial
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 21, 2008; 14(27): 4273-4279
Published online Jul 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4273
Stem cells, a two-edged sword: Risks and potentials of regenerative medicine
Anna Chiara Piscaglia
Anna Chiara Piscaglia, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, “GI & Liver Stem Cell Research Group”, Catholic University of Rome, Rome 00168, Italy
Author contributions: Piscaglia AC wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Anna Chiara Piscaglia, MD, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Rome, Largo A. Gemelli, Rome 00168, Italy. annachiarapiscaglia@hotmail.com
Telephone: +39-347-1015909
Fax: +39-6-35502775
Received: May 5, 2008
Revised: June 10, 2008
Accepted: June 17, 2008
Published online: July 21, 2008
Abstract

The recent advancements in stem cell (SC) biology have led to the concept of regenerative medicine, which is based on the potential of SC for therapies aimed to facilitate the repair of degenerating or injured tissues. Nonetheless, prior to large scale clinical applications, critical aspects need to be further addressed, including the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SC-based treatments. Most problematic among the risks of SC-based therapies, in addition to the possible rejection or loss of function of the infused cells, is their potential neoplastic transformation. Indeed, SCs may be used to cure devastating diseases, but their specific properties of self-renewal and clonogenicity may render them prone to generate cancers. In this respect, ‘Stemness’ might be seen as a two-edged sword, its bright side being represented by normal SCs, its dark side by cancer SCs. A better understanding of SC biology will help fulfill the promise of regenerative medicine aimed at curing human pathologies and fighting cancer from its roots.

Keywords: Stem cells; Regenerative medicine; Gastrointestinal diseases; Chronic liver diseases; Cell-based therapy