The Department of Public Health is aware that many clinics around the world currently advertise new stem cell therapies for seriously ill patients. These "treatments" typically charge large amounts of money and lack sufficient scientific basis, oversight or patient protections. Stem cell research holds the promise for a wide-range of treatments but there is still much work to be done to turn the research into safe and effective therapies.

 

In order to help you understand what to look for before considering a stem cell therapy, the Department has posted the link to resources developed by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for consideration by anyone considering stem cell treatment. This link, "A Closer Look at Stem Cell Therapies" includes, The ISSCR Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies, developed by a task force of experts from the International Society for Stem Cell Research. In a Frequently Asked Questions format, the Handbook will answer some of your questions on stem cells and stem cell therapies and give you the resources you and your doctor need to make the best decisions possible for treatment.

 

ISSCR Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies (PDF 2044KB)

 

 

For information on clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, see www.clinicaltrials.gov