The potential of stem cells to radically improve ways to treat diseases, many of which currently have no treatments or cures, has inspired significant investment and interest in this growing field of medical research. Stem cell science has attracted an unprecedented level of attention for what is still generally early stage research. Whilst stem cell research is advancing, the path from research to the clinic is often long and complicated, with progress made in many small incremental steps.
Currently, the range of diseases for which there are proven treatments using stem cells is quite small and the only established stem cell therapies are those of the blood system involving transplants of blood stem cells (usually from bone marrow but with cord blood also being developed as an alternative). Clinical research is also encompassing mesenchymal, skin, corneal and cartilage stem cells. All other medical procedures involving stem cells are still currently considered experimental.
Most medical discoveries are based on years of research performed at universities, institutes and companies. There is a long process that shows first in laboratory studies and then in clinical research that something is safe and will work. Like a new drug, stem cell therapies must be assessed and meet certain standards before receiving approval from Australia’s national regulatory body the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Prior to receiving approval in Australia a cellular therapy will be subject to clinical trials.
Further Rescources and Links
The Australian Stem Cell Centre has produced a
Patient Information Handbook for people who are considering stem cell treatment – proven, investigational/experimental or unproven. It also contains information on
clinical trials, here in Australia and overseas.
The
International Society for Stem Cell Research has prepared a
Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies which addresses frequently asked questions about clinical therapies using stem cells.
The
Australia and New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Network (ANZSCIN) has produced a position statment regarding
Stem Cell Interventions for Spinal Cord Injury Patients.
The ANZSCIN states: While laboratory and animal research to date holds great promise for treating a range of illnesses in the future there are currently no stem cell therapies that are recommended for people with spinal cord injury. You can
visit their website.
The
Canadian Stem Cell Network has prepared a series of information on specific diseases and how these relate to stem cell research.