Stem cells are primitive immature cells which have the ability to self-replicate and differentiate into any formed blood elements- white cells, red cells and platelets. This allows them to act as a repair system for the body, replenishing other cells as long as the organism is alive. Many stem-cell transplants are done, providing recovery from what were earlier known as fatal diseases. Experts believe that such transplants will be the answer for many of today's incurable diseases.

Dramatic breakthroughs in the field of hematology and stem cell transplant offer new hope in treating conditions where conventional therapies have proven to be ineffective. These include life-threatening blood disorders such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphatic leukemia and thalassaemia major, which cannot be cured using conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

With allogeneic stem cell transplant (using stem cells from compatible family member or an unrelated donor), cure rates for some of these previously "incurable" disorders are as high as 90%.

Leukemia, for example, makes up about 40% of pediatric cancers and is considered difficult to cure. Yet, with stem cell transplant, our leading hospitals have a high success rate in treating lymphoblastic leukemia. Stem cell transplantation also allows for higher doses of chemotherapy than usual.