There
is a significant gap between what is promised by the clinics driving stem cell
tourism and what is supported by scientific evidence. So why are increasing
numbers of Australians travelling overseas to undergo expensive and potentially
harmful treatments?
That is what Professor Alan Petersen of Monash
University's School of Political and Social Inquiry, is aiming to find out. In
collaboration with Dr Megan Munsie of Stem Cells Australia and Professor Steven
Wainwright of Brunei University, he will undertake the first sociological study
of what shapes peoples' understandings and expectations of stem cell therapy
(SCT) options abroad.
"Stem cell tourism is a phenomenon where
people travel to other, often developing, countries to undergo radical,
experimental treatments that aren't offered in Australia. People with a range
of illnesses and injuries, including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and
spinal cord injury are heading overseas for treatment in increasing numbers,"
Professor Petersen said.
"These procedures aren't proven and could
actually be harmful to the patients. The health risks of SCTs include
infection, immune system rejection, and potentially, cancer in later life. It's
vital that we understand patients' decision-making processes so we can help
protect them from harm and financial exploitation."
Professor Petersen believes that the
regulatory and educational strategies employed to date may fail to stem the
flow of SCT tourists because they underestimate the power of hope.
"These patients obviously want an
improvement in their quality of life or respite from suffering and are
frustrated by the lack of progress in stem cell therapies in Australia.
"Hope is very powerful and tends to be
nurtured by communities and support networks. It helps people form their own
conceptions of risk, despite the recommendations of medical
professionals," Professor Petersen said.
"Patient's high expectations of SCTs are
understandable considering the enthusiasm around the potential of stem cells
from various levels of the scientific community here and abroad. This
enthusiasm is reinforced by the persuasive online advertising from the overseas
SCT clinics."
The researchers will canvass the views of
people who have undergone STCs overseas, as well as the views of medical
professionals, policy-makers and regulators. In addition, the advertising and
practices of clinics driving stem cell tourism will be analysed.
Due to commence in 2012, the project is
supported by the Australian Research Council and has been praised by Joanna
Knott, Chair of Spinal Cure Australia.
HealthCanal.com
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