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Cells Are the New Cure: The Cutting-Edge Medical Breakthroughs That Are Transforming Our Health
The future of medicine is happening now. Revolutionary new science is providing cures that were considered science fiction five years ago—and not with pills, surgery or radiation—but with human cells!
Promising treatments now in more than 35,000 clinical trials could have dramatic impacts on cancer, autoimmune diseases, organ replacement, heart disease, and even aging itself. These treatments, which are saving the lives of patients in the trials, will soon be rolled to the medical community at large.
The key to these breakthroughs is the use of living cells as medicine instead of traditional drugs. Research has found that our bodies are virtual treasure troves of adult cells that act as agents of remarkable healing and repair. These cells have been called adult stem cells because they resemble embryonic cells in their ability able to transform into many other cell types but without the ethical and moral concerns of embryonic cells.
Adult cells can reprogram cells to work more efficiently. They can also carry edited genetic code to repair mistakes, and deliver targeted therapies, allowing them to address and even cure many diseases affecting children and adults.
The applications of these cellular therapies are broad and growing. Regenerative medicine allows doctors to repair injured and aging tissues and, incredibly, to create artificial body parts and organs in the lab. New technologies make it possible to harness the immune system to fight cancer and reverse autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. We’re also seeing advances to alleviate the effects of strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even allergies. CRISPR, a new technology for targeted gene editing, promises to eradicate genetic diseases, allowing us to live longer lives—possibly beyond age 100 in good health.
Cells Are the New Cure takes you on a tour of the most exciting and leading-edge developments in medicine. You’ll meet the doctors performing the lifesaving research and the patients who have survived illnesses that, before today, had no good treatment options. The content inside these pages could save your life or the life of someone you love.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2017
36 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 6, 2017
I don't usually read non-fiction, but when I do I want it to be both informative and hopeful. This book is so much of both that I hope a followup is written in a few years once the various studies are starting to wrap up.
I am definitely a layperson but I do enjoy medicine & science. For the most part this book was easy to follow and understand. A few of the concepts were a bit beyond my grasp, but I still understood the "why" of what was going on even if I didn't understand exactly "how" things worked. What is important about this book is that it made me excited for the future of medicine. Of the 11 most recent deaths in my family 8 were from cancer and 2 were heart disease. Incredible research is being done on both of those diseases with many of the things they are doing sounding more like science fiction than real life.
If you enjoy science or medicine you should definitely try this book out. I found myself starting conversations with people about the topics I read in this book because the information is too good not to pass on.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
I am definitely a layperson but I do enjoy medicine & science. For the most part this book was easy to follow and understand. A few of the concepts were a bit beyond my grasp, but I still understood the "why" of what was going on even if I didn't understand exactly "how" things worked. What is important about this book is that it made me excited for the future of medicine. Of the 11 most recent deaths in my family 8 were from cancer and 2 were heart disease. Incredible research is being done on both of those diseases with many of the things they are doing sounding more like science fiction than real life.
If you enjoy science or medicine you should definitely try this book out. I found myself starting conversations with people about the topics I read in this book because the information is too good not to pass on.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
May 3, 2024
An excellent and exciting read about cell therapy and the future of personalized and targeted medicines. This is an easy read without complicated scientific details and terminology but still informative enough to provide knowledge, understanding, perspective and hope for future prospect of regenerative medicine and effective clinical treatment for cancers, genetic disorders and other rare diseases.
September 29, 2017
Synopsis:
"We are on the precipice of a revolution in medicine. Cell therapies represent a new frontier, harnessing the power of our own biology as the new "drugs" that will not merely treat disease but actually cure disease."
In more than 35,000 clinical trials, doctors have made leaps and bounds, challenging the foundation of treatment for debilitating autoimmune diseases, deadly cancers, and even aging itself. These life-saving treatments--at first glance--look more like science-fiction, but many are reaching the final stages of their clinical trials and will reach widespread use in the near future.
The studies in development are evidence that the secret to curing disease may not be a new compound or surgical technique, but harnessing the power that lies within our own biology, our own cells. This book will provide an introduction to the recent medical breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and targeted gene editing. The information contained within this book could one day save your life, or the life of someone you love.
My Review of...
...The Topic:
While earning my B.S. in Microbiology, I took several courses in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and biotechnology. So naturally, I had a great deal of interest in the topics discussed in this book. Not gonna lie, I nerded out so hard during so much of this book. To hear about these completely revolutionary therapies completely curing people afflicted with debilitating, and even life-threatening--conditions was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
...The Clarity:
Dr. Smith does an incredible job of writing a book centered around incredibly complex topics without rendering it unintelligible to the non-scientist. Pairing technical jargon with relatable analogies makes up the genius of Smith's approach. Able to explain esoteric cellular processes with a simplicity that is simultaneously understandable and accurate.
Final Thoughts:
This book provides an excellent introduction to the revolutionary advances in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and gene editing. The use of stem cells to promote healing and regenerate damaged tissues has the potential to truly cure debilitating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and MS. Ground-breaking work in immunotherapy uses the patient's own immune system to target and eradicate their cancer. Combined with CRISPR technology, a powerful gene-editing tool, cancer vaccines can defend and prevent cancer long before it can ever begin.
"We are on the precipice of a revolution in medicine. Cell therapies represent a new frontier, harnessing the power of our own biology as the new "drugs" that will not merely treat disease but actually cure disease."
In more than 35,000 clinical trials, doctors have made leaps and bounds, challenging the foundation of treatment for debilitating autoimmune diseases, deadly cancers, and even aging itself. These life-saving treatments--at first glance--look more like science-fiction, but many are reaching the final stages of their clinical trials and will reach widespread use in the near future.
The studies in development are evidence that the secret to curing disease may not be a new compound or surgical technique, but harnessing the power that lies within our own biology, our own cells. This book will provide an introduction to the recent medical breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and targeted gene editing. The information contained within this book could one day save your life, or the life of someone you love.
My Review of...
...The Topic:
While earning my B.S. in Microbiology, I took several courses in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and biotechnology. So naturally, I had a great deal of interest in the topics discussed in this book. Not gonna lie, I nerded out so hard during so much of this book. To hear about these completely revolutionary therapies completely curing people afflicted with debilitating, and even life-threatening--conditions was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
...The Clarity:
Dr. Smith does an incredible job of writing a book centered around incredibly complex topics without rendering it unintelligible to the non-scientist. Pairing technical jargon with relatable analogies makes up the genius of Smith's approach. Able to explain esoteric cellular processes with a simplicity that is simultaneously understandable and accurate.
Final Thoughts:
This book provides an excellent introduction to the revolutionary advances in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and gene editing. The use of stem cells to promote healing and regenerate damaged tissues has the potential to truly cure debilitating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and MS. Ground-breaking work in immunotherapy uses the patient's own immune system to target and eradicate their cancer. Combined with CRISPR technology, a powerful gene-editing tool, cancer vaccines can defend and prevent cancer long before it can ever begin.
August 2, 2020
Paradigm shifts happen in science occasionally, but historically, relatively few professionals make the shift. Usually, new generations of practitioners tend to bring in the change via their educational experiences. This is unfortunate. In this work, Smith and Gomez educate healthcare professionals and the reading public about advances in medical research. They attempt to enlighten us all about what is going to happen next in doctor’s offices.
Their focus is on multiple developments around the cell. Hot topics like stem-cells, regenerative medicine, CRISPR, bioinformatics, translational science, and rare diseases are discussed. Of course, such research is current as of 2017 (the time of publication), but many of these developments provide previews of how clinical practice will change in coming years.
Smith and Gomez’s writing is accessible to a general audience and provide insight into how the medical system works. The topics are covered in enough depth to be relevant even to seasoned medical professionals. In addition, this is no mere textbook as stories from patients bring the concepts to light. They even present a section on philanthropy and recent changes in funding for medical research. It’s a good reminder that none of these discoveries should be taken for granted. They are the result of hard, careful work by scientists and donations by generous, thankful hearts.
I listened to this book via audiobook and found the presentation very easy to follow – even in the car! That’s how good the writing – and reading – are. I haven’t worked in a purely healthcare setting since 2012, but reading this book made me feel more prepared to face my own medical challenges and professional conversations with colleagues. The audiobook format is good for those who lead busy lives and have limited time to sit down to read.
Their focus is on multiple developments around the cell. Hot topics like stem-cells, regenerative medicine, CRISPR, bioinformatics, translational science, and rare diseases are discussed. Of course, such research is current as of 2017 (the time of publication), but many of these developments provide previews of how clinical practice will change in coming years.
Smith and Gomez’s writing is accessible to a general audience and provide insight into how the medical system works. The topics are covered in enough depth to be relevant even to seasoned medical professionals. In addition, this is no mere textbook as stories from patients bring the concepts to light. They even present a section on philanthropy and recent changes in funding for medical research. It’s a good reminder that none of these discoveries should be taken for granted. They are the result of hard, careful work by scientists and donations by generous, thankful hearts.
I listened to this book via audiobook and found the presentation very easy to follow – even in the car! That’s how good the writing – and reading – are. I haven’t worked in a purely healthcare setting since 2012, but reading this book made me feel more prepared to face my own medical challenges and professional conversations with colleagues. The audiobook format is good for those who lead busy lives and have limited time to sit down to read.
August 31, 2017
This is an honest review based on an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. Many thanks to the publishers!
As a second-year medicine student I am interested in the subject of stem-cell research and I absolutely loved this book!
English is not my native language, so I have often found myself struggling with complex papers on the subject, but I read this book in just about three hours. In addition to that, there are plenty of useful illustrations and interesting pictures.
The book picks up readers from every knowledge level, beginning with the basics and leading to different cases of successful treatment. Diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (widely known due to the ALS ice bucket challenge) have been successfully treated based on stem-cells, immunotherapy or DNA repairing. Each patients story is described interestingly, but without going into too much detail, so I found myself encouraged to further research some of the cases.
I would recommend this book to everyone interested in science and/or medicine regardless of your knowledge on the subject.
As a second-year medicine student I am interested in the subject of stem-cell research and I absolutely loved this book!
English is not my native language, so I have often found myself struggling with complex papers on the subject, but I read this book in just about three hours. In addition to that, there are plenty of useful illustrations and interesting pictures.
The book picks up readers from every knowledge level, beginning with the basics and leading to different cases of successful treatment. Diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (widely known due to the ALS ice bucket challenge) have been successfully treated based on stem-cells, immunotherapy or DNA repairing. Each patients story is described interestingly, but without going into too much detail, so I found myself encouraged to further research some of the cases.
I would recommend this book to everyone interested in science and/or medicine regardless of your knowledge on the subject.
October 24, 2017
Great look at a future of medicine
I loved this book. Robin Smith and Max Gomez carefully but simply explain the science behind cell therapy. But while the title of the book gives the impression that the book is about a miracle cure for everything, the authors are actually very careful not to overpromise. They stick very closely to what the science actually is but also will give the wider implications. I like that type of science writing - this is what we know now and this is where it can go. At one point, the authors take a little detour away from cell therapy to talk about aging but it was well written so I didn’t mind. And near the end of the book, the authors again strayed away from cell therapy specifically, to talk about some broader issues in medical research, and this was my favorite part of the book. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in science, and especially for anyone interested in medicine.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
I loved this book. Robin Smith and Max Gomez carefully but simply explain the science behind cell therapy. But while the title of the book gives the impression that the book is about a miracle cure for everything, the authors are actually very careful not to overpromise. They stick very closely to what the science actually is but also will give the wider implications. I like that type of science writing - this is what we know now and this is where it can go. At one point, the authors take a little detour away from cell therapy to talk about aging but it was well written so I didn’t mind. And near the end of the book, the authors again strayed away from cell therapy specifically, to talk about some broader issues in medical research, and this was my favorite part of the book. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in science, and especially for anyone interested in medicine.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
May 6, 2018
This is a great book for updating your knowledge of what stem cell therapy involves: its promises, its uses, how it is accomplished, and what to be careful about. What caught my eye is how they said to be careful and avoid imposters or those promising too much. While there are some wonderful achievements, it's not time to offer a definitive medical protocol for its use. There are imposters who are profiting from unproven treatments and exaggerating the very expensive benefits. A good book to take you back to some of those lectures on cell biology!
November 19, 2017
extremely helpful and informative
So much information on this topic is above and beyond the public's ability to understand that this book is refreshng in its clairity. Extremely helpful and informative.
So much information on this topic is above and beyond the public's ability to understand that this book is refreshng in its clairity. Extremely helpful and informative.
February 11, 2018
Informative book on cell therapy. Lots of information on current research, pathways to future treatments, and the age-old "anti-aging" debate. Nicely arranged with colour photographs.
December 13, 2018
Very detailed. Optimistic, yet not overly so.
June 26, 2021
3.5. Interesting and exciting concepts but the writing was drawn out and repetitive at times.
November 7, 2022
Very good! Not too in-depth with the science; easy to understand if you are not in the field.
February 9, 2025
This audiobook provided an excellent introduction into cell therapy, and the narrator did a great job of pronouncing the lengthy medical terms.
November 24, 2017
I was provided a digital copy of this book by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Fascinating book that really opened my eyes to all the breakthroughs in cell therapies. It was very exciting to read about those with diseases who have been cured due to many ongoing and new clinical trials. Cells are definitely the new cure and there is so much untapped potential waiting to be explored.
Fascinating book that really opened my eyes to all the breakthroughs in cell therapies. It was very exciting to read about those with diseases who have been cured due to many ongoing and new clinical trials. Cells are definitely the new cure and there is so much untapped potential waiting to be explored.
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December 18, 2018This was an excellent synopsis on what is currently going on in several areas including gene therapy, immunotherapy, immunology etc. It touches on several of these topics and gives a little overview of current clinical trials and what phase they are in.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews