© Springer International Publishing AG 2017 51
T. Pandey (ed.), Imaging in Stem Cell Transplant and Cell-based Therapy,
Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-51833-6_4
Chapter 4
Clinical Applications of Stem Cell Transplant
in Treating Non-Hematologic Conditions
Roopa Ram, Kedar Jambhekar, and Tarun Pandey
4.1 Introduction
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which are capable of dividing themselves even
after long periods of inactivity, and have the potential to differentiate into several
subtypes and become more specialized. The two properties of stem cells are their
unique ability to divide infinitely and capacity to differentiate into several different
specialized cells. Based on their commitment to become a particular type of cell,
stem cells have been characterized into totipotent, pluripotent and multipotent cells
(Table 4.1).
Stem cells can also be sub-classified into embryonic, adult tissue stem cells and
induced pluripotent cells based on their source of origin (Table 4.2). Furthermore,
based on the tissues in which they occur and the cell lines which they can form,
adult stem cells are sub classified into several different types such as hematopoietic
stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, epithelial stem cells and skin
stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells found in bone marrow can differentiate into
red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. Mesenchymal stem cells found in vari-
ous tissues including the bone marrow, can differentiate into cells that form bone,
cartilage, fat and stromal cells (Fig. 4.1).
Due to their ability to infinitely divide and form new cells as well as their unique
power to differentiate and specialize into several subtypes of tissues, stem cells have
evoked significant research interest in the past few decades. Wide range of clinical
applications for use of stem cells have been found, the most promising ones being
in the field of hematology where hematopoietic stem cell therapy (HSCT) has been
successfully used in treating both malignant causes (lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma)
and non-malignant hematologic causes (chronic anemia, polycythemia etc.).
R. Ram, M.D. (*) • K. Jambhekar, M.D. • T. Pandey, M.D., F.R.C.R.
Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences,
4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
e-mail: [email protected]