Stem cell tourism dangers prompt website guide
1 October 2010
Concerns about the growth of so-called stem cell tourism (travel to international clinics to receive stem cell therapy) have led experts to launch a website to counter what they say are incorrect claims about the technology, according to a recent journal article (JAMA 2010; 304: 1315-6).
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) says the website will provide evidence-based information about stem cell therapies.
Its past president, US biologist Professor Irving Weissman, said many desperate patients were attracted by sites “wrongly claiming they have one kind of stem cell that can treat a hole in the heart or a brain degenerative disease”.
Such treatments, which can cost thousands, may not work and are potentially extremely harmful. The website (closerlookatstemcells.org) lists questions patients can ask a prospective clinic.
Last Reviewed: 01 October 2010
- 1. Mitka M. Troubled by "stem cell tourism" claims, group launches web-based guidance. JAMA 2010; 304: 1315-6.
