The current issue of Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal contains the first installment in a two part series on the ethics of stem cell tourism, by long time stem cell watcher Cynthia Cohen and Peter Cohen. The Cohens pull together a large body of news reports and internet posts on Russian and Indian private clinics… Continue reading Information: Stem Cell Tourism Redux (part 1)
Tag: stem cells
More on Lenti’s, Gene Transfer and Adrenoleukodystrophy
(…continued from the previous post). There are several features that make the recent Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) gene transfer study noteworthy. 1- A New Viral Vector Debuts: this is the first successful application of HIV-derived viruses in gene transfer (lentiviruses). These vectors have various advantages over retroviruses used in other protocols. One is that, in theory, at… Continue reading More on Lenti’s, Gene Transfer and Adrenoleukodystrophy
Gene Transfer and Adrenoleukodystrophy: There Will Always Be Paris
Last week’s Science magazine reported what seems likely to count as one of gene transfer’s greatest clinical successes to date: stabilization of adrenoleukodystrophy in two boys receiving genetically modified blood stem cells. Preliminary results of this study had been presented at this summer’s American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy meeting. Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a… Continue reading Gene Transfer and Adrenoleukodystrophy: There Will Always Be Paris
Quack You! Medical Tourism and Stem Cells
In the September 2009 issue of Nature Biotechnology, Jane Qiu reports on a thriving trade in nonvalidated stem cell interventions for incurable illnesses (“Trading on Hope”). The article provides numerous examples of overseas clinics that cater primarily to North American and European clientele in offering pricey, unproven stem cell transplants for incurable conditions like spinal… Continue reading Quack You! Medical Tourism and Stem Cells
Stems and Blossoms (part 2): Really Informed Consent
There is a strain within the clinical and bioethics community that takes a minimal view of informed consent: investigators are supposed to provide requisite information to volunteers; if research subjects fail to comprehend this information, pity for them. This view brings to mind a memorable exchange between Inspector Clouseau and a hotel clerk (Clouseau: “does… Continue reading Stems and Blossoms (part 2): Really Informed Consent
Stems and Blossoms (part 1): Justice
Shortly before I left for holiday, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) issued a policy paper, “Guidelines for the Clinical Translation of Stem Cells,” outlining ethical and scientific considerations for researchers designing translational trials involving stem cells (whether stem cell derived, adult, or embryonic). In my opinion, the document wins the award for… Continue reading Stems and Blossoms (part 1): Justice
Sell Therapy, European Style
Two side-by-side news reports in the August 21 issue of Nature spell more trouble for cell therapy in Europe. The first story follows on previous reports about Austrian urologist Hannes Strasser (see postings on Jul 23 and May 27, 2008). According to an Austrian government report, Strasser “failed to get appropriate approval for the trial… Continue reading Sell Therapy, European Style
Stemming Medical Tourism (part 1)
The July 17 issue of Nature reports that a patient participating in a Vienna-based cell transfer study for urinary incontinence won a lawsuit against the University Hospital in Innsbruck for not being “told… the procedure was experimental.” The case was described in an earlier post in my blog (May 27, 2008: Bladder Trouble at the… Continue reading Stemming Medical Tourism (part 1)
Bladder Trouble at the Frontier
In the May 1, 2008 issue of Nature, Alison Abbott reports on fraud allegations against Austrian researcher Hannes Strasser for performing an adult stem cell trial for urinary incontinence without having his protocol reviewed by an ethics committee. According to the story, the volunteers paid approximately $17K U.S. to enter the study. They also were… Continue reading Bladder Trouble at the Frontier