ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some of the aspects of stem cells potentially relevant to otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are generated by destruction of living human blastocysts and strong opposition to the use of ES cells has been expressed on ethical grounds. The generation of 'induced pluripotency stem cells' (iPSCs) demonstrates a degree of cellular plasticity beyond that previously thought feasible, and iPS cells represent a class of cells able to regenerate a wide range of tissue types. The ability to derive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various tissues and to manipulate their differentiation for use as autologous transplants has generated extensive clinical interest. Regenerative stem cell properties have been investigated to rectify common structural or functional problems of the ear, nose, tympanic membrane, cochlea, trachea and other structures. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unique properties of direct clinical interest including resistance to therapy and the ability to invade locally and metastasize.
