ABSTRACT
The field of stem cell research has opened exciting new avenues for development of stem cell–based therapies for regeneration of tissues or treatment of cancers. Stem cells play a pivotal role in the response to radiotherapy since for the tumour these are the target cells that ultimately determine treatment outcome, while in normal tissues they play an important role in tissue repair. With the discovery and experimental handling of many different types of stem cells the road has been paved for new therapeutic options. Stem cell–based therapies may in the near future be used to enhance the response of the tumour to radiation; inhibit post-treatment tumour regrowth; and protect, accelerate or enhance normal tissue regeneration. Stem cells are cells that are capable of self-renewal (produce more stem cells) and the production of more committed progenitor or functional cells in the tissues (differentiation).
