The hard sell of stem cells: we need a better way to protect patients from harm (The Conversation)

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As ABC’s 7.30 revealed last night, Australia has a flourishing stem cell treatment market. During these procedures, cells are taken from a patient and re-administered to them.

These “therapies” are being sold to patients with a wide range of debilitating and chronic conditions with little or no evidence of benefit. It’s also unclear whether stem cells are even being used in these treatments, despite the advertising claims.

Due to a lack of effective regulations, there is little oversight of these procedures and the businesses that provide them.