Stem Cell Therapy Could Cut Medical Costs

At the recent World Stem Cell Summit, the top researchers in the field discussed the financial impact of stem cell technology on the medical world. A popular opinion among the group is that stem cell cell therapy will save the nation money, as an increasing number of Baby Boomers become afflicted with some of the most expensive medical conditions.  

Strokes, for example, cost the United States $73 million every year. Someone who suffers from a stroke may have to undergo long-term care, resulting in costs upwards of $100 000. Stem cell therapy provides a medical and financial solution to this issue, offering patients a treatment method that improves their quality of life on a long-term basis.  

Around the world, a wide range of studies are being conducted to test the efficacy of using cord blood and stem cell therapy to aid in the treatment of diseases like diabetes and various forms of cancer. They are also investigating the use of stem cells in patients recovering from strokes and heart attacks.  

These studies are indicating that stem cells are a viable option, but the donor pool is still quite small. As such, many hospitals around the world are encouraging expecting parents to take part in cord blood donation or family banking in order to help the increasing population of older patients becoming afflicted with a wide range of diseases and medical conditions. With news that stem cells could cut national medical costs, it is hoped that more people will consider becoming donors.  

Source: http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/10/04/29257/worlds-top-stem-cell-researchers-pasadena-say-ther/