Therapeutic Misconception at its Worst

Summer Johnson, PhD

July 6, 2010

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has created a website that aims purportedly to help patients assess the claims made by stem cell companies and researchers offering cures via stem cell research.

I am usually reluctant to argue against patient education and empowerment, but this website does precisely the opposite.

It only muddies the waters and will confuse patients desperate for cures who are turning to stem cell trials as a last resort and want very much to believe that the research laboratories that they are walking into are "clinics" and the trials they are enrolling in are "therapeutic." Unfortunately, that is not yet the case. And ISSCR should just come out and say so.

For more click here.