Stem cell tourism: The risks of unproven therapies

Published: 
15 May 2009

Medical travel for unproven stem-cell-based therapies is commonly referred to as stem celli tourism. Clinics worldwide over-promise the benefits of their so-called treatments and grossly downplay or ignore the risks. Such unproven therapy is without scientific rationale. Neither the efficacy of the treatments, nor the lack of serious side effects has been shown in animal models. This 'magic cure by stem cells' approach must be condemned under all circumstances. If there is no chance of improvement in the patient’s condition, the 'therapy' is both unethical and scientifically and clinically unacceptable. It will not help the patient; the risks for adverse effects may be high; and it will not contribute to the development of clinically-established stem cell therapies. Even if the administration of stem cells is associated with negligible or minor risks, clinical application remains unjustified on a compassionate basis: the patient's expectations will not be met and they are very likely to suffer emotionally as a result. The solution must be to encourage governments to tighten regulations and to better educate patient-consumers.

Further information

  • A Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies is available on the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s website. The handbook contains information about the current state of stem cell treatments, and advice for patients and their relatives on what questions to ask clinics offering such treatments.
  • More information about stem cells and their potential for treating disease is also available in EuroStemCell's FAQ section.
  • An article by Sorapop Kiatpongsan and Douglas Sipp published in Science in March 2009 explores stem cell tourism in more detail: Monitoring and Regulating Offshore Stem Cell Clinics, Science 20 March 2009: Vol. 323. no. 5921, pp. 1564 – 1565
  • The UK television programme Panorama is broadcasting a programme entitled, 'Stem Cells and Miracles' on 18 May 2009. This programme will follow a British family as they take their daughter to China for stem cell treatment. The Panorama website provides more information about viewing this programme.

Comments

Can anyone explain?

 

Can anyone explain this to me? Is it right the use of this cells? Does not have adverse effects?

 

 

 

Submited by : Bajar Libros Gratis

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The stem celli treatments ranged in quality and safety but very few, if any, offered genuine hope.

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Took me awhile to read all the comments, but I really love the article. It proved to be very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It's always nice when you can not only be informed, but also engaged! I'm sure you had fun writing this article.

Thanks

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Re: Can anyone explain?

Hi Bajar,

There is not a simple answer to your question. At the moment, research into stem celli therapies is in its early stages and scientists still have much to learn about how these cells work. Some clinical trials are underway to test the safety of particular kinds of therapies using stem cells and a great deal of work is going into this promising area, but thoroughly tested treatments are not yet generally available.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research has produced a handbook for patients that provides advice for anyone considering participation in a clinical trial, or paying for a therapy. It highlights key questions you should ask to make sure the risks are clear. You can find it at http://www.isscr.org/public/index.htm

Emma Kemp

The solution must be...

The solution must be to encourage governments to tighten regulations and to better educate patient-consumers.
Regards,
Aden Jeff - san diego real estate

Nice Article

I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Thanks and Regards

Andy Ngeow
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