STEM CELLS IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Stem cells play a central role in regenerative medicine due to their unique abilities of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types. Over the past two decades, advances in stem cell biology have significantly expanded therapeutic strategies for tissue repair, organ regeneration, and treatment of degenerative diseases. This article reviews the fundamental types of stem cells, methodological approaches used in regenerative medicine, and key clinical outcomes observed in preclinical and human studies. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based applications, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mesenchymal stem cell–based therapies, and induced pluripotent stem cells. The analysis highlights both therapeutic potential and existing challenges, such as ethical considerations, tumorigenicity, and immune compatibility. The findings demonstrate that stem cell–based regenerative medicine represents a rapidly evolving and scientifically grounded field with growing clinical relevance.