title: Studying the lay of the land: views and experiences of professionals in the translational pluripotent stem cell field.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The inherent uncertainty of first-in-human trials, combined with the technical complexity of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), makes early phase PSC studies ethically challenging. Conducting parallel bioethics research based on experiences and views of professionals in the stem cell field is therefore important.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted semistructured interviews with various stakeholders to get a lay of the land of ethical issues professionals find relevant to the translation of PSCs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified four themes in the interviews: the uniqueness of PSCs, the suitability of the current research paradigm, the justification for early phase PSC studies and the involvement of patients and research participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that a debate should take place discussing the suitability of the current research paradigm for translational PSC studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Michelle G J L
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Habets
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Johannes J M
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: van Delden
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annelien L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Bredenoord
mesh_terms: D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D057905:Stem Cell Research; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical
keywords: empirical research; pluripotent stem cells; research ethics; translational research