International Stem Cell Tourism: What are the Effects?
Stem cells are a type of cell in the human body that can develop into a more specific cell. For example, a stem cell can develop into a bone cell or heart cell depending on what the body tells it to do. Because of this ability, scientists have seen the potential of these cells in medicine since the 1980s. Now, there is stem cell research in multiple medical fields. One example is stem cell therapy, or regenerative medicine, in which stem cells can replace unhealthy cells in someone’s body. While stem cell treatments are relatively new, many patients have sought out stem cell therapy as an option for some illnesses.
The excitement around stem cell therapy has led to stem cell tourism. A recent journal article published by International Health explains that stem cell tourism is a branch of medical tourism. In medical tourism, people travel to other countries to obtain medical treatment. In these cases, patients travel abroad because the cost of stem cell therapy may be cheaper, or the wait times may be shorter. Additionally, stem cell therapy itself may be less regulated in certain countries, as opposed to the U.S., where the Federal Drug Association (FDA) prevents many unapproved treatments from being offered. As most stem cell therapies are still developing, regulations may be an obstacle to many potential customers, encouraging patients to pursue stem cell tourism in countries where it is allowed.
The excitement around stem cell therapy has led to stem cell tourism. A recent journal article published by International Health explains that stem cell tourism is a branch of medical tourism. In medical tourism, people travel to other countries to obtain medical treatment. In these cases, patients travel abroad because the cost of stem cell therapy may be cheaper, or the wait times may be shorter. Additionally, stem cell therapy itself may be less regulated in certain countries, as opposed to the U.S., where the Federal Drug Association (FDA) prevents many unapproved treatments from being offered. As most stem cell therapies are still developing, regulations may be an obstacle to many potential customers, encouraging patients to pursue stem cell tourism in countries where it is allowed.
Telomeres act as buffers to ensure that important genetic information on the chromosomes is protected from damage.
Image Source: doodlartdotcom
In terms of advertisement, an analysis showed that around 50% of stem cell treatment facilities used a social media platform. These advertisements promote clinics around the globe, with the US having the most stem cell therapy advertisements, followed by China and India. However, these have a tendency for false advertising, in which clinics will overstate how well their treatments work. They will also use patient reviews and scientific-sounding words to try to increase their reliability despite not actually having research to back up their claims. In 2017, the FDA issued a statement, saying they will monitor harmful advertisements while encouraging well-regulated stem cell therapies to advance. However, regulation of stem cell therapies is difficult because of loopholes and a lack of a global agreement on laws. For example, biological drugs are highly regulated, so some clinics have classified their stem cell treatments as “human cellular products” instead.
There are also many risks involved with stem cell tourism. In particular, the article found that the majority of these therapies are not approved by thorough research, and they are often offered in lower-income countries where patients could contract foreign diseases. The effect of stem cell therapy itself on the body also has risks. The body could reject the foreign stem cells and cause a harmful immune response, or the stem cells can over-divide and create cancerous tumors. Lastly, there are financial concerns. The average treatment can cost up to $60,000 without including treatment for complications.
Because of all of these factors, the literature review suggested recommendations moving into the future. The FDA advises that patients check if the treatment is FDA-approved, as well as ask questions about the process and safety of the therapy. There is also a need for training to help doctors guide patients when they express an interest in stem cell therapy.
Overall, the stem cell tourism industry will continue to be monitored as new technologies arise and the needs of patients shift over time. As governments grow more accustomed, false advertising will be better controlled, and well-regulated therapies will arise in their place.
There are also many risks involved with stem cell tourism. In particular, the article found that the majority of these therapies are not approved by thorough research, and they are often offered in lower-income countries where patients could contract foreign diseases. The effect of stem cell therapy itself on the body also has risks. The body could reject the foreign stem cells and cause a harmful immune response, or the stem cells can over-divide and create cancerous tumors. Lastly, there are financial concerns. The average treatment can cost up to $60,000 without including treatment for complications.
Because of all of these factors, the literature review suggested recommendations moving into the future. The FDA advises that patients check if the treatment is FDA-approved, as well as ask questions about the process and safety of the therapy. There is also a need for training to help doctors guide patients when they express an interest in stem cell therapy.
Overall, the stem cell tourism industry will continue to be monitored as new technologies arise and the needs of patients shift over time. As governments grow more accustomed, false advertising will be better controlled, and well-regulated therapies will arise in their place.
Featured Image Source: Andrea Piacquadio
RELATED ARTICLES
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
