Question: A relative of mine was diagnosed with leukemia and is having stem cell treatments. I didn’t realize that stem cells could treat leukemia. Is this a legitimate treatment or some kind scam?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Stem cell transplants are a perfectly legitimate mode of treatment being used now. It is being successfully performed in some patients with leukemia and other blood cancers to help the body make new blood cells after its own blood cells have been destroyed by disease or cancer treatments. Stem cells from a donor can rebuild supply of normal blood cells and boost the immune system. Before the transplant, radiation or chemotherapy may be given to destroy cells in the bone marrow and make room for the new stem cells. Or it may be given to weaken the immune system so the new stem cells can get established.