People suffering from serious illnesses are
turning to unproven and risky stem cell therapies
in growing numbers. Researchers are trying to
understand why—and how to provide better
information and support.
Stem cells have been saving lives for
decades, largely through bone marrow
and cord blood transplants treating
leukaemia and other blood diseases.
Unproven treatments are booming,
however, with clinics in Australia and
around the world spruiking cures for
conditions from osteoarthritis and
MS to dementia and diabetes.
Associate Professor Megan Munsie
and her colleagues in Stem Cells
Australia’s Engagement, Ethics and
Policy Program have heard many tales
of patients spending thousands of
dollars on treatments that often have
no benefit and may be harmful or
even deadly.
“While some providers sincerely
believe they can help patients,
what’s often advertised can have
the hallmarks of the perfect con,”
says University of Melbourne health
sociologist Dr Claire Tanner, who
has teamed up with Megan and
sociologist Professor Alan Petersen
at Monash University to come to
grips with the problem.
“If the treatment fails, patients blame
themselves or think their body has
failed them.”
The team set out to gather
evidence by talking to people who
had considered or tried stem cell
treatments, as well as their families.
The stories of patient harm,
exploitation and confusion they
collected formed a key part of
Stem Cells Australia’s submission to
the Therapeutic Goods Administration
review of regulations for stem
cell treatments.
“Our interviews with patients
provided solid evidence for
policymakers. We showed that there
really is a problem,” Claire says.
The research also uncovered
less obvious problems, such as
unscrupulous clinics coaching
patients on crowdfunding to meet
exorbitant prices and how some health
professionals are wary of advising
patients on stem cell treatments
because they feel they are not
well informed themselves.
The team are working with
doctors and patient groups such
as Musculoskeletal Australia, MS
Australia, MND Victoria and the
Chronic Illness Alliance to understand
how best to support patients. Support
might include resources for GPs and
other healthcare professionals, as
well as tailored patient information
provided through community groups
and via websites and phone services.
Navigating the space where science
and medicine overlap with regulations
and social forces has required a
wide range of skills.
“That’s the strength of our
interdisciplinary collaboration. Megan
has a strong scientific background,
as well as experience in bioethics,
science communication and public
engagement. Alan’s expertise is in
sociology and mine is in gender
studies and health sociology.”
Along with their collaborators Chinese
Studies scholar Dr Jane Brophy and
anthropologist Dr Casimir MacGregor,
this group recently received a
prestigious prize for their book on
stem cell tourism.
From this text please answer the question:
Q6) Justify why continued research into the potential use of stem cells should/should not be pursued and fed into community communication and education to raise awareness of what can and cannot be legally done in the field of stem cell medical treatment.
Continued research into the potential use of stem cells should be pursued and fed into community communication and education to raise awareness of what can and cannot be legally done in the field of stem cell medical treatment for several reasons.
Firstly, unproven and risky stem cell therapies are increasingly being sought by people suffering from serious illnesses. This poses a significant risk to their health and well-being. By conducting research and providing accurate information to the community, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and avoid potentially harmful treatments.
Secondly, the boom in unproven treatments has led to exploitation and patient harm. Many individuals are spending large amounts of money on treatments that offer no benefit and may even be deadly. By educating the public about the risks and limitations of stem cell therapies, individuals can protect themselves and make more informed decisions about their healthcare.
Thirdly, unscrupulous clinics are coaching patients on crowdfunding to meet exorbitant prices, preying on the desperation of individuals seeking treatment. By providing clear guidelines and regulations through community communication and education, individuals can better understand what is legal and legitimate in the field of stem cell treatment, preventing them from falling victim to scams and exploitation.
Additionally, some healthcare professionals are hesitant to advise patients on stem cell treatments due to a lack of knowledge and information. By conducting research and disseminating this information to healthcare professionals, patients can receive accurate advice and guidance from medical professionals who are well-informed about the potential benefits and risks of stem cell therapies.
Overall, continued research into the potential use of stem cells should be pursued and fed into community communication and education to protect individuals from harm, prevent exploitation, and ensure that patients receive accurate information and support for their healthcare decisions.