Because scientists have not learned how to control these cells enough, the development of the cells is rapid and, therefore, unwieldy, so there is a chance that stems cells will turn into cancer cells. A story Dr. Civin used to support their desire for restraint was an Israeli boy, who had a brain defect and Russian researchers felt they could cure it using stem cell therapy. After treatment, the boy quickly developed a brain tumor and died.
Work on stem cell technology is needed and US researchers want the support of the FDA to help control the process for reaching successful human trials. For me, this was an eye opening experience, because we have some research leaving this country to build stem cell trials in other countries!
For many, this is research they cannot support, but I learned basic knowledge for the research and it showed me what has been left out of the press, and offered a glimpse for what might lead us to something we have long waited for - a cure.
Tomorrow, September 23, is Stem Cell Awareness Day! to honor this, here are some links to Stem Cell information:
