Understand The Potential And Limitations Of Stem Cells As Treatments.

Stem cell treatment may hold the keys to curing heart disease, cancer, and spinal injuries. They have the potential to develop into many different cell types and serve as a repair system.

As a result, they hold great potential as replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

The public generally has little knowledge of these new therapies, and often aren’t familiar with where to turn for objective and valid information. Or where to find detailed information about the treatment and the science that supports it, the expected outcome and the risks.

There is still a lot to learn about stem cells, however, and their current applications as treatments are sometimes exaggerated by the media and other parties who do not fully understand the science and current limitations, and also by “clinics” looking to capitalize on the hype by selling treatments to chronically ill or seriously injured patients.

An independent, non-profit was set up to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is a membership-based organization with 4,000 members across 55 countries.

 

What Is The ISSCR

https://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/about-isscr/

The ISSCR helps close the gap between research and the reality of new therapies. We support stem cell research and engage researchers, industry and the public through:

 

1. Stem cell meetings and online programs that facilitate learning, networking and collaboration
2. Public education and outreach, making stem cell science accessible and generating awareness of and interest in ongoing research
3. Our position as a centralized and leading voice for the stem cell field, developing and promoting professional standards and guidelines and contributing to policy discussions.

 

Below are a couple of links to important information provided by the ISSCR to help patients and their families make informed decisions about stem cell treatments and their health.