Medical Innovation Versus Stem Cell Tourism

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1171749
• Publication Date: 2009-06-25T22:48:29Z
• Authors: Olle Lindvall; Insoo Hyun
• Keywords: Clinical Trials as Topic; Travel; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Therapies, Investigational; Models, Animal; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Animals; Humans; Delivery of Health Care; Stem Cell Transplantation; 3. Good health

Stem cell tourism is criticized on grounds of consumer fraud, blatant lack scientific justification, and patient safety. However, the issues are complex because they invoke questions concerning limits acceptable medical innovation travel. Here we discuss these articulate conditions under which "unproven" therapies may be offered to patients outside regular clinical trials.