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· The NCLF does not use embryonic stem cells in any of its research facilities.
· All NCLF-supported research uses stem cells derived exclusively from adult donors
The NCLF believes that a multidisciplinary approach is the most promising method for achieving our research goals. The NCLF Research Team includes expert scientists in the fields of hematology/oncology and stem cell biology work, who work collaboratively to advance knowledge in the field and develop technologies that will lead to a cure for cancer, leukemia and other blood disorders.
Advantages of Adult Stem Cells In 2001, President George Bush ordered new embryonic stem cell lines could not be created or used for federally funded research, limiting research to the use of only 78 existing embryonic stem cell lines. Since then, the number of government-approved cell lines has fallen to 22, and, in actuality, only about 12 are available for widespread use. As a result, almost all the research on embryonic stem cells in the past seven years has come from the same 12 cells, with the same set of genes, mutations and characteristics – the equivalent of using only 12 women to study how breast cancer occurs. While these lines have been useful in learning the basics of how to manipulate cells in a lab, they are too narrow in scope to provide researchers with the necessary information for understanding and treating diseases.
In contrast, adult stem cells are readily available. Adult stem cells offer greater variability and are more readily available. Adult stem cells are voluntarily donated by adults and do not require the destruction of an embryo. The best known adult stem cells, those that are used in bone marrow transplants, give rise to red and white blood cells and platelets that aid clotting. Researchers have recently discovered the existence of stem cells in other adult tissues.
The Cure is Within Our Reach: Your Role
The NCLF believes that, by studying the interaction of adult stem cells with cancer cells, a cure for cancer, leukemia and other blood disorders - terrible diseases that destroy the lives of thousands of children every year - will be found. There is no question that the cure is within our reach.
Your support is crucial to the success of our efforts.
Please join us as a partner in our life-saving project.
Marleni Alonzo is just one of our SUCCESS STORIES.
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