The Fountain of Stem Cell-Based Youth? Online Portrayals of Anti-Aging Stem Cell Technologies.
BACKGROUND
The hype surrounding stem cell science has created a market opportunity for the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic and anti-aging products and treatments that make claims regarding stem cell technology are increasingly popular, despite a lack of evidence for safety and efficacy of such products.


OBJECTIVE
This study explores how stem cell-based products and services are portrayed to the public through online sources, in order to gain insight into the key messages available to consumers.


METHODS
A content analysis of 100 web pages was conducted to examine the portrayals of stem cell-based cosmetic and anti-aging products and treatments. A qualitative discourse analysis of one web page further examined how language contributes to the portrayals of these products and treatments to public audiences.


RESULTS
The majority of web pages portrayed stem cell-based products as ready for public use. Very few web pages substantiated claims with scientific evidence, and even fewer mentioned any risks or limitations associated with stem cell science. The discourse analysis revealed that the framing and use of metaphor obscures the certainty of the efficacy of and length of time for stem cell-based anti-aging technology to be publicly available.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the need to educate patients and the public on the current limits of stem cell applications in this context. In addition, generating scientific evidence for stem cell-based anti-aging and aesthetic applications is needed for optimizing benefits and minimizing adverse effects for the public. Having more evidence on efficacy and risks will help to protect patients who are eagerly seeking out these treatments.
Ms Rachul is a PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics and Language Studies, School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada. Dr Percec is an Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Professor Caulfield is the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy; Trudeau Fellow and Professor, Faculty of Law and School of Public Health; and Research Director, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Christen M
CM
Rachul
Ms Rachul is a PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics and Language Studies, School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada. Dr Percec is an Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Professor Caulfield is the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy; Trudeau Fellow and Professor, Faculty of Law and School of Public Health; and Research Director, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Ivona
I
Percec
Ms Rachul is a PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics and Language Studies, School of Linguistics and Language Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada. Dr Percec is an Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Professor Caulfield is the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy; Trudeau Fellow and Professor, Faculty of Law and School of Public Health; and Research Director, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Timothy
T
Caulfield
D000329:Advertising; D000367:Age Factors; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007802:Language; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D011639:Public Opinion; D012060:Rejuvenation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D015595:Skin Aging; D013234:Stem Cells
D002457:Cell Extracts