Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Therapy has captured the attention of the public. It is imagined to be a magic bullet treatment, able to cure conditions from cancer to wrinkles. Unfortunately, the literature does not support some of its claims.

Randomized controlled human Stem Cell Research showing convincing results for orthopedic conditions are difficult to find and are sometimes withdrawn due to questionable biased researchers¹.

Findings in the research “demonstrate the existence of organized misinformation networks, which may lead the public away from accurate information and facilitate a polarization of public discourse².”

A recent systematic review showed that “while studies support the notion that MSC therapy has a positive effect on OA patients, there is limited high quality evidence and long-term follow-up.”

The important thing to keep in mind is just because the treatment is expensive and rich and famous people are choosing stem cell therapy does not mean it works. It is important to do your research and make an informed decision, based on unbiased studies, always checking who sponsored the research.

And most importantly, not all stem cell therapy clinics are created equal. There are some unscrupulous as well as some excellent clinics.

References:

1. WITHDRAWN: Autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction cells application in patients with osteoarthritis.  Cell Transplant. 2015 Jan 20.  Michalek J, Moster R, Lukac L.

2. Fake news portrayals of stem cells and stem cell research; Regenerative Medicine VOL. 12, NO. 7, Published Online:8 Nov 2017; Alessandro R Marcon, Blake Murdoch& Timothy Caulfield.