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.