A research group led by Program-Specific Professor Misao Fujita at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application reported that stem cell therapy is being used in regenerative medicine in Japan, with questionable safety and effectiveness.The research group calls for legislative changes to regulate such treatments.
According to Kyoto University, the research group analyzed explanatory documents and consent forms for regenerative medicine disclosed on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and found that 2,377 (stem) cell treatments can be provided at 3,467 medical institutions in Japan. I pinpointed it.However, this included administration of cultured stem cells, which is condemned by the guidelines of the International Stem Cell Society, and cancer immunotherapy, for which scientific evidence has not been established.
In the regenerative medicine law, in the process from research and development to practical application of treatment, medical treatment that has been proven by research to be safe and effective will become treatment, distinction between research and treatment, highly novel and unestablished medical technology and unvalidated treatments have not been clearly defined.For this reason, the research group believes that this has led to the provision of treatments that have not undergone scientific verification.
Stem cell therapy without scientific evidence is increasing worldwide, and problems such as the development of complications and death of patients are occurring.Originally, treatment should only be given to patients when there is scientific evidence, but in Japan, it is possible to provide medical treatment if there is an agreement between the doctor and the patient.
Paper information:[Cell Stem Cell] Current Status of Cell-based Interventions in Japan
