There are a growing number of programmes offering unregulated stem cell treatments designed to treat respiratory infections, according to a new statement from respiratory societies across the world.
There are a growing number of programmes offering unregulated stem cell treatments designed to treat respiratory infections, according to a new statement from respiratory societies across the world.
In a new statement and accompanying editorial, researchers note that these treatments in some cases are biologically implausible, ineffective, and even damaging to recipients. They warn that claims of benefit being made by many of these programmes have not been substantiated nor have they been reviewed by experts in the field or any regulatory agency. Patients who are feeling in a desperate position are parting with large sums of money to access the treatments, despite a lack of scientific proof of benefits for patients.
According to Laertis Ikonomou, a lead member of the American Thoracic Society's Stem Cell Working Group, "The problem of stem cell medical tourism of unproven, unregulated cell therapies can be best addressed through international collaboration, and engagement and education of all parties including patients, physicians and other caregivers and scientists."
The research team hopes collaboration between organisations will enable the implementation of a prolonged strategy of continued education of the public, create pressure for effective regulation, and promote rigorous research in the field of lung regenerative medicine, to tackle the issue.