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The Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences co-hosted this workshop with the International Society for Stem Cell Research in order to take a critical look at the practice of unproven stem cell treatments. Speakers examined the evidence base of unsubstantiated treatment offerings and the associated research and clinical risks and concerns. Discussions delved into legal hurdles for establishing standards and criteria to govern stem cell trials and treatments and explored a range of potential solutions for assuring the quality of unregulated therapies.
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Workshop
ยท2014
Stem cells offer tremendous promise for advancing health and medicine. Whether being used to replace damaged cells and organs or else by supporting the body's intrinsic repair mechanisms, stem cells hold the potential to treat such debilitating conditions as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and spinal...
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Description
An ad hoc planning committee will plan and conduct a public workshop to examine and discuss stem cell tourism. The goal of the workshop will be to examine the extent of unsubstantiated stem cell therapy offerings, the potential risks involved, the evidentiary basis for claims of efficacy, and to discuss whether there is a need for coordinated efforts to regulate stem cell clinic offerings globally. One issue that will be considered at the workshop is whether the information available to the public is adequate to sort out options. The workshop will advance discussions among a broad array of stakeholders which may include government officials, industry representatives, professional societies, academic researchers, regulators, providers, and patients. The planning committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. An individually-authored summary of the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional policy and procedures. This workshop will be held jointly with the International Society for Stem Cell Research.
Contributors
Committee
R. A. Charo
Chair
Robin Ali
Member
I. Glenn Cohen
Member
Ellen G. Feigal
Member
Fred H. Gage
Member
Lawrence S. Goldstein
Member
Geoff MacKay
Member
Amy C. Rick
Member
Irving L. Weissman
Member
Sponsors
Department of Health and Human Services
Private: Non Profit
State or Local
Staff
Adam Berger
Lead
Major units and sub-units
Health and Medicine Division
Lead
Division on Earth and Life Studies
Lead
Institute of Medicine
Lead
Board on Health Sciences Policy
Lead
Board on Life Sciences
Lead