Stem Cell Translation And Bioethics
April 2012
in “
Annals of Neurosciences
”
TLDR The document concludes that stem cell therapies lack solid proof of effectiveness, except for blood system treatments, and criticizes the ethical issues and commercial exploitation in the field.
The document from April 2012 critically reviews the progress of stem cell research, underscoring a significant gap between public expectations and the actual scientific evidence for the efficacy of stem cell therapies. The authors assert that, despite extensive research, there is no solid proof that stem cells have regenerated any tissue in vivo, with the exception of the hematopoietic system. They criticize the ethical barriers to embryonic stem cell research and the commercialization of unproven therapies that exploit patient hope, leading to high costs without proven benefits. The paper calls for an end to the overhyped promises of stem cell therapy and advocates for a more evidence-based approach, while also reflecting on how regulatory decisions have historically impacted the field's progress.
