Topic: Stem Cell Treatment in Cancer
Introduction: (ends with the thesis) A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science - Cornelious
What are stem cells? Stem cells are immature cells that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. These cells can act as a repair system, by having the ability to divide and multiply to replenish other body cells that have been damaged or loss. Stem cell research has been hailed for the potential to revolutionize the future of medicine with the ability to regenerate damaged and diseased organs. On the other hand, stem cell research has been highly controversial due to the ethical issues concerned with the culture and use of stem cells derived from human embryos. However, with more emphasis on the potential of stem cells, hospitals are currently utilizing stem cells in some of their most advanced and innovative cancer treatment techniques.
I. First Main Point:
The historical development and context of the technology A. The History of Stem Cell Research 1. The Discovery of Stem Cells 2. Utilization of Stem Cells B. Stem Cells and Cancer 1. Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation 2. Autologous Stem Cell Rescue
II. Second Main Point:
Political and Legal influences A. Treatment of cancer using stem cells 1. Chemotherapy 2. Stem cell based therapies B. Embryonic stem cells 1. Safety, efficacy, resource allocation, and methods of harvesting stem cells 2. Moral and legal status of human embryos III. Third Main Point:
Economic questions and considerations
A. First to find cure
1. Extra funding money
a. Create spin off jobs
b. Create start up jobs
2. Prestige
B. Save Money on treatment
1. Less Medications
2. Shorter hospital stay
3. Save on Medicaid
C. Improve Health
1. Increase productivity
2. Longer Lives
IV. Third Main Point:
Psychological considerations and sociological effects A. Psychological considerations 1. Ethical and political concerns 2. Existing federal regulatory and professional control mechanisms 3. Patient’s concerns such as uncertainty regarding treatment outcome, recurrence, morality, etc. 4. Does increased public understanding of stem cell research increase public support? B. Sociological effects 1. Medical benefits availability 2. Destruction of embryos can be bad for society 3. Destruction of embryos that have a disability or disorder
4. Sacrificing embryonic humans for the good of other human beings
V. Third Main Point:
The technology in its cultural context, media influence A. Stem cell technology in its cultural context 1. Stem cell derivation from embryos and adults 2. Embryos created for research 3. Clinical perspective B. Media influence 1. Focus on ethical debate 2. Theoretical debates and policy
VI. Third Main Point:
Implications for the