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Scientists warn of 'unproven stem cell treatments'
Last updated at 12:07pm on 29.08.06A group of leading British scientists warned patients today to be wary of "extravagant" claims made for "unorthodox" stem cell treatments offered abroad.
In a letter to The Times newspaper, the experts praised the UK for establishing itself as a world leader in such research, but said foreign therapies - in particular for multiple sclerosis and cosmetic skin treatment - were "unproven", not subjected to independent review and could be dangerous.
In Britain, the therapy is approved for conditions including skin grafting and bone marrow transplants.
The newspaper said the letter was signed by 14 medical charities and research funders, including Professor Colin Blakemore, chairman of the UK Stem Cell Funders Forum, Lord Patel, chairman of the steering committee for the UK Stem Cell Bank, and Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the MS Society.
It said: "In principle, we welcome efforts to translate research findings as quickly as possible into clinical benefits - but only in the context of rigorous scientific scrutiny.
"In the case of these unorthodox 'stem-cell' treatments, the protocols and results have not been published or subject to independent review.
"Although scientists are making great strides in stem-cell science, there is no published evidence to support claims that stem cells can safely repair tissue damage caused by multiple sclerosis.
"Indeed, there is concern that these unproven treatments could be dangerous, potentially exposing patients to the risk of uncontrolled and inappropriate tissue generation."
The signatories warn that two such clinics in the Netherlands are under investigation, adding: "We worry that those who are cutting corners risk discrediting the field as well as betraying patients."
Stem cells are undeveloped cells with the ability to become different kinds of tissue.
Those extracted from early embryos less than 14 days old can potentially be directed to grow into any part of the body, from bones to brains.
Scientists hope they will be used in future to develop new treatments for a host of diseases, including currently incurable conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's.
Reader views (8)
What do you mean by saying "Tell that to Don Ho"?
The stem cells used for Don Ho came from his own blood. No embryonic stem cells were used.
- Will, Connecticut, USA
Embronic stem cell research is not about science but about the legitimizing of abortion. If it was about science we would see and hear about the successes in adult, placenta, and other stem cell research. We do not.
- Doug F, Belle Fourche, SD
Don Ho is a great example of an Adult Stem Cell therapy with a positive result. He stated publicly that he would not have used embryonic stem cells for ethical reasons.
- Jim, Missouri, USA
In the debates over the use of stem cells derived from embryos, one adjective in particular is missing: "Machiavellian." A charge that something is Machiavellian is often made when the end(s) or goal(s) is(are) said to justify the means. Were there a good means to a good end, that would not be the case. But so many approving the use of stem cells derived from embryos simply proclaim that because the goal is good - curing or mitigating a disease - that we should proceed without regard to the means - even though this involves using a discarded human life (however young) or a human being that would be discarded anyway.
Should we ever develop a cure or therapy from the use of stem cells derived from embryos, how long will it be before we create human life merely to destroy it to begin harvesting valuable cells? Good luck putting that genie back in its bottle.
Currently, many (most?) of the embryos used for stem cell research are considered "surplus" - leftovers or rejects from artificial fertilization treatments. Pregnancies resulting from such artificial fertilization are disproportionately risky to the developing embryo and fetus. Perhaps nature has its own "wisdom" why the parents were unable to conceive without artificial intervention. Will the adult humans developed from articially conceived embryos have reduced fertility? Will we breed ourselves into non-existence by developing sterile adults thus?
- Willie, Greenwich, CT, USA
Once again we see ideology lead our scientific endeavors. On the other hand, science is a self-correcting institution and will continue to sustain itself.
- James K, Davis, CA
Adult stem cells and cord blood cells have proven therapies in use. Yet the scientific community insists on continuing to use cells from aborted babies... all with NO success. What they have managed to do is have tumors grow uncontrolled in what therapies they have tried. Stop the killing, embrace what works and avoid the ethical travesty.
- Kurt M, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
All of the therapies being done in humans are derived from adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cell research has not advanced to anything but hype.
- Bob, USA
Tell that to Don Ho. Back on stage after stem cell treatment for his heart. Too old to be considered for heart transplant his trip to Thailand may be the only reason he is still here.
- James Monroe, USA
