Seeing the Full Picture: The Hidden Cost of the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Revolution

In recent decades, significant time, money and energy have been invested in the attempt to harness the regenerative power of stem cells to ameliorate the pain and suffering in a wide range of illnesses and injuries—from autoimmune disorders, congenital diseases and degenerative neurological conditions to acquired brain and spinal cord injuries. Here stem cells are often posited as a ‘holy grail’ with magical powers just waiting to be unlocked or revealed to the world through the toil and labour of those pioneers at the cutting edge of research. It is in this heightened context of anticipation and expectation that significant investments are also made by those on the other side of the bench; the people and their loved ones seeking help for the conditions and illnesses with which they live and die. For some, this investment involves at least considering, and often travelling to receive, experimental stem cell treatments (SCTs). Drawing on qualitative interviews with patients and carers who have made these journeys, this chapter offers a complex and contextualised picture for better understanding and responding to the needs of the increasing numbers of people considering or travelling overseas or within their own country for experimental SCTs.