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Stem cell therapies: a tale of caution
Author(s) -
Byrne Edward,
Howells David W
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05478.x
Subject(s) - stem cell , publicity , embryonic stem cell , neuroscience , disease , stem cell therapy , medicine , engineering ethics , frame (networking) , cell therapy , psychology , political science , biology , pathology , computer science , engineering , law , telecommunications , biochemistry , genetics , gene
One of the most exciting possibilities in human therapeutics is that stem cells (embryonic or adult) may compensate for cell loss in disease, with functional recovery. This has received considerable publicity in the lay press. Much work remains to be done to turn stem cell therapy into a practical reality for major degenerative diseases, especially those affecting the nervous system. Medical scientists and journalists should work together in ensuring that the general public has a realistic understanding of the likely time frame in which benefits from stem cell therapies will be realised.