Chua: Stem cell claims of miracle cures baseless
KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that stem cells can cure diseases such as cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome are baseless, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
He said such claims from some quarters have yet to be proven, adding that the ministry was looking into requests, including from medical practitioners, who wanted controls on the use of stem cells locally.
“We are mulling over the setting up of a mechanism and (creating) certain rules or guidelines to govern the stem cell industry, especially on making claims, advertisements and on stem cells banks,” he said.
Dr Chua said that the ministry had received many complaints about doctors who used stem cells in treatments that were still being questioned.
“One complaint was about a private doctor who charged RM25,000 for a stem cell treatment whose effectiveness was not known.
“The treatment was for Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy although there was no strong evidence that stem cells could cure them,” he said after presenting scrolls to 534 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman graduates here yesterday.
Dr Chua said that although it could not be denied the stem cell industry was developing rapidly, people should still be wary about baseless claims. “Make sure you get a second opinion before undergoing stem cell treatment.”
Dr Chua said baseless claims by companies had resulted in many new mothers forking out money to store their baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells in special banks set up by private companies.
“What guarantee is there that the cord blood can be used in five to 10 years' time?” he asked.
source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/27/nation/18704847&sec=nation
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