Stem cell treatment - MS sufferers should heed warnings

THOUGH stem cell research has been at the centre of international controversy ever since its therapeutic potential first came to light, its capacity for treating a wide range of disease and disability could ultimately prove enormous.

These are early days, however, and the use of stem cells remains deeply mired in debate over its medicinal, scientific, religious and moral implications.

The Irish Medicines Board is currently investigating the provision of stem cell therapy to multiple sclerosis sufferers by a clinic. Leading neurologists stress there is no hard scientific evidence to support the use of stem cell treatment on MS sufferers.

Inevitably, some will pursue any avenue in search of a cure for this highly debilitating condition which attacks the nervous system. However, they should think twice before pinning their hopes on the healing properties of unproven forms of treatment.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, some sufferers are considering going abroad for stem cell treatment. It has discouraged them from paying thousands of euro on “unproven” methods.

Fuelling hopes that elusive cures for incurable conditions are finally in reach is misleading. Indeed, some research has raised questions about the possible risk of stem cells becoming cancerous. MS patients should heed the warning of neurologist Brian Sweeney against raising false hopes because the neurological community does not have sufficient scientific evidence on the use of such therapy to treat their condition.