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Frequently Asked Questions
When will you treat humans?
We are currently conducting experiments to see if the treatment works in
animal models for human disease. Our results are promising. Before the
treatment can be used in humans, however, we will need to show that the
treatment is safe and that the cells can be prepared under safe conditions
for administration to humans. The preparation will have to be approved by
the FDA. This will require at least two years.
Why is there an ethical controversy about the use of stem
cells?
Often the distinction is not made clear between adult and embryonic stem
cells. Adult stem cells are obtained from living donors. Embryonic stem
cells are obtained from fetuses or from embryos made in the laboratory. We
use adult stem cells in our work.
Why not just ahead and give the cells to people?
Stem cell therapy should be thought of as a potentially powerful drug. We
must consider the safety of the therapy.
I hear about people getting stem cells. What’s going on?
Bone marrow stem cells have been used in cancer treatment for some time.
This is almost a routine use. Others may receive stem cell treatment from
unregulated sources, such as those outside the US. The latter is potentially
dangerous.
For more information on Stem Cell Research, please
email:
MCGNEUROLOGYSTEMCELLS@mail.mcg.edu