Clarification is needed on this short piece I wrote earlier this week on using adult stem cells to grow kidney cells as a potential treatment for my kidney failure.
First of all, these are adult stem cells I’m talking about, not embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are the source of much controversy, most of it important, about whether or not embryos are life and whether or not these cells—which, when harvested, cause the destruction of the embryo—should be used to prolong the lives of adults. Embryonic stem cells have the ability to grow into virtually any type of cell. There are cogent arguments on both sides, but they aren’t relevant in the case of adult stem cells like those that could possibly benefit my condition.
In the case of adult stem cells being used to grow healthy kidney cells, the stem cells are harvested through a bone marrow transplant. In talking with medical experts, I’ve come to understand that it’s possible that my own bone marrow could be used to harvest the necessary stem cells. I’ve had dreams of kidneys being grown in vats, so this isn’t too far fetched (of course I’ve also had recurring dreams of waking up in Bangkok minus my kidneys, so I’ve learned not to put too much stock in my dreams).
