Stem Cell

Definition:

Stem cells are cells found [establish] in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell-division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Research in the stem cell field grew out of findings by Canadian scienttists Earnest McCullach and James E. Till in the 1960s. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embrionic stem cell that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocytis and and adult cell stem that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embrio stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adults organisms, stem cells and projenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.

Stem cells can now be grown and transformed into specialized cells with characteristics consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture. Highly plastic adult stem cells from a variety of sources, including umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, are routinely used in medical therapies. Embryonic cell lines and autologous embryonic stem cells generated through therapeutic clones have also been proposed as promising candidates for future therapies.

Velcade

What is Velcade used for?

December 3, 2008 by
Filed under Prescription Drugs

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What is Velcade used for?

• Velcade is a chemotherapy medicine that is used to fight a multiple myeloma. It should only be used in people:
• who have already been treated with two other types of chemotherapy medicines, and
• whose cancer has still progressed on the most recent therapy.
• Velcade should not be the first chemotherapy medicine that is used to treat multiple myeloma.

The effectiveness of Velcade is based on how patients in the clinical studies responded to treatment. At this time, it is not known whether Velcade will improve symptoms of multiple myeloma, keep the disease from getting worse, or help patients live longer.

Who should not be treated with Velcade?

Do not use Velcade if you are allergic to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol.

Warnings for People taking Velcade:

• Velcade may cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in the feet or hands.
• Velcade may decrease blood pressure, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells.
• Velcade may cause severe nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting, which may lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Velcade may decrease the number of platelets in the blood, causing easier bruising and bleeding.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the above side effects

There are some things that you should tell your Doctor including:

Tell your doctor if you:

• have or had liver or kidney problems
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• amiodarone
• antiviral medicines
• isoniazid
• nitrofurantoin
• cholesterol medicines called ’statins’
• diabetes medicines
• blood pressure medicines

These medicines may affect how Velcade works, or Velcade may affect how these medicines work. Some medicines may also cause the same side effects as Velcade, leading to more severe side effects.

What side effects can you expect when taking Velcade? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Velcade. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Some common side effects with Velcade include:

• fatigue, tiredness, weakness
• nausea
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• constipation
• decreased blood platelet count
• ·peripheral neuropathy
• ·fever
• vomiting
• anemia

For more detailed information about Velcade, ask your doctor or pharmacist.