Caution: Stem cells!
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSR) expresses concern about the spread of dubious and frankly fraudulent methods of treating serious diseases in which cell technologies are allegedly used.
In the next issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell, a memo for patients has been published, which provides a list of questions with which the patient can clarify the effectiveness and scientific validity of a particular method, as well as a list of mandatory requirements for the corresponding criteria for scientific research of stem cells.
In an article published in the same issue of the journal by Canadian scientist Timothy Caulfield It is indicated that dubious methods of treatment with stem cells are most actively advertised by medical institutions in countries such as China, Thailand, India and Russia.
In these countries, stem cells are offered to treat such serious diseases as Parkinson's disease, autism, spinal cord injuries, etc. As a rule, advertisements and clinic websites do not provide detailed information about the essence of the treatment methods used. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that serious studies have never been conducted to assess their effectiveness and safety.
According to the author of the publication, the reason for the increase in the number of clinics offering such services is the imperfection of legislation and the inaction of the supervisory authorities of the states mentioned in the article.
Copper News based on Nature: Stem cell society urges action on bogus clinics Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru