Gurudutta, G USatija, Neeraj KumarSingh, Vimal KishorVerma, Yogesh KumarGupta, PallaviTripathi, R P2012-03-282012-03-282012-01Gurudutta G U, Satija Neeraj Kumar, Singh Vimal Kishor, Verma Yogesh Kumar, Gupta Pallavi, Tripathi R P. Stem cell therapy: A novel & futuristic treatment modality for disaster injuries. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2012 Jan; 135(1): 15-25.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/137366Stem cell therapy hold the potential to meet the demand for transplant cells/tissues needed for treating damages resulting from both natural and man-made disasters. Pluripotency makes embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells ideal for use, but their teratogenic character is a major hindrance. Therapeutic benefits of bone marrow transplantation are well known but characterizing the potentialities of haematopoietic and mesenchymal cells is essential. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been used for treating both haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic disorders. Ease of isolation, in vitro expansion, and hypoimmunogenecity have brought mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into limelight. Though differentiation of MSCs into tissue-specific cells has been reported, differentiation-independent mechanisms seem to play a more significant role in tissue repair which need to be addressed further. The safety and feasibility of MSCs have been demonstrated in clinical trials, and their use in combination with HSC for radiation injury treatment seems to have extended benefit. Therefore, using stem cells for treatment of disaster injuries along with the conventional medical practice would likely accelerate the repair process and improve the quality of life of the victim.enCritical injuriesdisastershaematopoietic stem cellsmesenchymal stem cellsstem cell therapyAcute Radiation Syndrome --therapyDisastersHematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation --methodsHumansMass Casualty IncidentsMesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation --methodsMusculoskeletal System --injuriesNuclear ReactorsSpinal Cord Injuries --therapyTissue Therapy --methodsWounds and Injuries --therapyArticle