Although stem cells may one day prove to be effective treatments against many of the most devastating medical conditions and their use in medicine may become commonplace, a new study reports that several “rogue” stem cell clinics are already making such premature claims about stem cell treatments on their Web sites. These clinics are portraying the therapies they offer as safe, effective, and ready for routine use.

In a report published in the December issue of Cell: Stem Cell, researchers caution that patients should be wary of stem cell clinics that make confident claims about their services without firm medical evidence to back it up, because the existing published research does not support that "overoptimistic" picture.

At least 19 different Web sites offer stem cell therapies at clinics in countries such as China, Mexico, and Russia where there are fewer restrictions on the use of stem cells than in the United States. The Web sites tout treatments for conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, blindness, stroke, and heart attack.

In recent years, desperate patients with such conditions have visited overseas clinics believing them to be their last hope. While a review of published medical studies finds some encouraging evidence for the use of stem cells to treat such conditions, there is not yet any clear evidence of benefit from such treatment, and many studies cite the risk of serious side effects. In addition, the study notes the average cost of a course of such treatment was $21,500, excluding travel and accommodation for patients and care givers.

In the same issue of the journal, a report from the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) describes new research guidelines that condemn the marketing of unproven therapies. The society has posted a patient handbook on its Web site to help people who are considering stem cell therapy.

The guidelines say that in limited cases, doctors may be justified in trying an experimental treatment outside of a formal study for small numbers of seriously ill patients. The guidelines recommend standards for that situation, such as approval from a group of experts with no vested interest in the treatment and a commitment by those offering it to proceed to a formal study. Read the complete guidelines in the patient handbook on the ISSCR website. 

If you or someone you know is facing a serious condition that might benefit from stem cells, keep in mind that there are controlled studies being conducted in the Untied States to examine the use of stem cells to treat several diseases. While these studies are usually small, if you meet the criteria for such a study you may be able to receive stem cell treatment for free. Such studies will ultimately help researchers determine if the grand potential of stem cells is real. To find a clinical trial involving stem cells, search Healia Clinical Trials Search for stem cells, or search Healia Clinical Trials Search for a particular disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease).

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