How are new treatments developed?

If you have seen a stem cell treatment advertised, featured in the media, or mentioned to you by a friend or fellow patient, it can be hard to work out if it may be an option for you.

Although there is a lot of attention surrounding the potential of stem cells, in reality, the range of diseases for which there are current proven stem cell treatments is quite small. Within Australia the only proven treatments available involving stem cells are corneal and skin grafting, and blood stem cell transplants for the treatment of some blood disorders, inherited immune and metabolic disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases. There are many other potential treatments, but these are still in the research phase or in clinical trials and are yet to be proven as safe and effective.

This page provides a breakdown of the steps that should occur before a stem cell treatment makes it to you in a clinic, and identifies who should be looking after your interests.

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Stem Cells Australia | Australian research, stem cell treatments and ...