Irish neurologist: Patients being misled by Embryo Stem Cell research

This is from the Family and Life pro-life website in Ireland.

Family & Life

Experts Says that Patients are Being 'Exploited' by the Stem Cell Industry

A prominent neurologist in Ireland says patients with incurable diseases are being mislead about how embryonic stem cell research could possibly help them. Dr Orla Hardiman spoke with the" Irish Medical Times" in advance of the annual Neurology Update Meeting.

She said some of her patients have been “exploited” by the stem cell industry and have traveled to foreign countries with the hope that miracles cures will alleviate their medical issues.

“It is important to put into context the potential benefits, but also the current limitations, in the use of stem cells,” said Dr Hardiman, a consultant neurologist in Beaumont Hospital. “I’ve had patients who have raised money to go to places like Ukraine or Rotterdam in the vain hope that stem cell therapy is going to cure their incurable disease."

Comments

[Sholto Ramsay]

absolutely correct. while some patients have experienced "miracle cures", patient selection is a key factor and setting expectations is also critical for managing patients.
On the other hand, stem cell therapy often has few side effects in terms of pharmocological side-effects and can offer hope for otherwise hopeless patients.
As with all treatments, providing a clear outline of treatment and likely success outcome enables patients to make decisions for themselves.