Sir, The UK is establishing itself as a world leader in stem-cell research thanks to the quality of its science base and its supportive political and funding environment. Ground-breaking discoveries continue to broaden the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Therapies currently available in the UK include skin grafting, transplantation of bone marrow or umbilical cord blood-stem cells to treat certain cancers and immune system and corneal disorders.

However, extravagant claims have recently been made of success for “stem-cell” treatments, available only abroad, in particular for multiple sclerosis and cosmetic skin treatment. We advise those who are desperate for cures or attracted to cosmetic therapy to be wary of claims being made by clinics offering these treatments.

In principle, we welcome efforts to translate research findings as quickly as possible into clinical benefits — but only in the context of rigorous scientific scrutiny. In the case of these unorthodox “stem-cell” treatments, the protocols and results have not been published or subject to independent review. Although scientists are making great strides in stem-cell science, there is no published evidence to support claims that stem cells can safely repair tissue damage caused by multiple sclerosis. Indeed, there is concern that these unproven treatments could be dangerous, potentially exposing patients to the risk of uncontrolled and inappropriate tissue generation.

We would urge anyone considering visiting clinics overseas to obtain treatments not available in the UK to seek advice from their consultants or GPs and to weigh the risks carefully.

Two of the clinics offering such treatments in the Netherlands are under investigation. The Dutch authorities have felt compelled to issue, like us, a statement of warning based on their preliminary findings.

The UK stem-cell research environment is buzzing. There is widespread commitment to exploring the potential of stem cells for patient benefit. We worry that those who are cutting corners risk discrediting the field as well as betraying patients.

PROFESSOR COLIN BLAKEMORE
Chair, UK Stem Cell Funders Forum

LORD PATEL
Chair, Steering Committee for the UK Stem Cell Bank and for the Use of Stem Cell Lines

SIMON GILLESPIE
Chief Executive, MS Society

Sir, Your report of the new method of obtaining human embryonic stem cells (Aug 24) suggest that removing a cell from an eight-cell embryo does not damage the embryo. This has yet to be proven.

Although a similar procedure is authorised in Britain to screen out embryos with various conditions, there has been very little research that would give confidence that children born subsequently will not suffer long-term consequences — to say nothing of immediate risks posed by this invasive, non-therapeutic procedure.

The suggestion that opposition to destructive research on human embryos is the preserve of the “religious Right” in the US and that “almost all Europeans” are untroubled by it is not true. Only last month a coalition of eight European countries, including Germany, Austria and Italy, forced a compromise on EU funding to ensure that it would not be used to support the destruction of human embryos. Five countries refused to support even this compromise, since research requiring prior destruction would be funded; in other countries, government support for funding of embryo destruction was, at least, controversial.

The dismissal of the new procedure for its inefficiency simply reveals the eagerness of some British scientists to engage in untrammelled embryo destruction. While this new technique is ethically unsatisfactory, it is encouraging that efforts are being made to advance stem-cell science without treating human embryos as disposable raw material.

PATRICK CARR
Linacre Centre for Healthcare Ethics
London NW8

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