Medical innovation versus stem cell tourism.
Stem cell tourism is criticized on grounds of consumer fraud, blatant lack of scientific justification, and patient safety. However, the issues are complex because they invoke questions concerning the limits of acceptable medical innovation and medical travel. Here we discuss these issues and articulate conditions under which "unproven" therapies may be offered to patients outside of regular clinical trials.
Lindvall
Olle
O
Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Cell Therapy, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, and Lund Stem Cell Center, University Hospital, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden. olle.lindvall@med.lu.se
Hyun
Insoo
I
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D035703:Therapies, Investigational / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D014195:Travel