One of the UK's leading stem cell research scientists says a deluge of claims and speculation over future stem cell implant treatment is causing deep confusion amongst both scientists and the general population.
"Ever since President Barack Obama lifted US government spending restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, my in-box has been inundated with all sorts of claims and speculation about imminent breakthroughs in stem cell treatment," said Dr Peter Hollands, a senior lecturer in biosciences at the University of Westminster, and a director of Smart Cells International (SCI).
"The true potential in stem cell treatment lies with cord blood stem cell collection, not embryonic. I need to put it in perspective: We have the technology to grow potatoes on the moon. We could fly everything out there at a cost of billions - and it would work. The alternative, however, is to grow them in our back garden.
"So it is for stem cells.
"Embryonic stem cell collection and treatment is untested, unproven and currently unusable - in some cases complete science fantasy - and burning cash at an enormous rate; Cord blood stem cell collection and treatment is proven and in use, and has the most imminent and massive development potential. It has momentum.
"Embryonic stem cell collection is difficult and controversial; cord blood stem cells can be collected from the umbilical cord during the 129 million births there are each year on Earth.
"Anybody would think that the restriction has been lifted on simply talking about embryonic stem cell collection and treatment, because while the talk has been free-flowing and voluminous, the potential for embryonic stem cells is as far behind as ever.
"Parents and their medical advisers need to be educated in the true value of umbilical cord blood collection at birth. If the umbilical cord, and the cord blood, are disposed of at birth, then there will never be another chance to collect these stem cells.
"If a child, or other family member, suffers injury or illness, then cord blood stem cells collected at birth can be transplanted at the time of treatment.
"Today, stem cell therapy is an accepted method of treating many diseases and cord blood is currently used in the treatment of blood related disorders such as leukaemia and thalassaemia.
"Ongoing scientific research has shown the potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells in the possible treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions which may benefit from tissue repair or regeneration, such as nerve or tissue damage."
Smart Cells, formed in February 2001, collects cord blood on behalf of families worldwide and stores the cord blood stem cell units at its labs in West Drayton near London Heathrow Airport in the UK. Smart Cells' laboratory provides cord blood preparation and storage in an environment designed to comply with all current and foreseeable European medical guidelines and practices. Smart Cells International is fully licensed by the Human Tissue Authority and holds licence no 22522.
Source
Smart Cells International
