Experimental stem cell treatment caused brain tumors in rats

The researchers said the work showed there were both benefits and risks of using human embryonic stem cells for treatment. Human stem cells have been highly touted for their ability to replace diseased tissue; however, the use of these same stem cells is controversial because human embryos have to be destroyed to obtain them.

"The behavioral data validate the utility of the approach. But it also raises a cautionary flag and says we are not ready for prime time yet," said lead stem cell researcher Steven A. Goldman, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Goldman went on to say that with modest changes in stem cell deployment techniques, researchers would be able to keep the benefits of the treatment while reducing -- or even eliminating -- the chances of stem cell recipients producing cancer-like growths as a result of treatment.

Goldman's team treated laboratory-cultured human embryonic stem cells in a new way that induced many to become a kind of neuron that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Those kinds of neurons are gradually lost in Parkinson's disease, resulting in the body being deprived of the essential chemical messenger. Parkinson's disease patients commonly suffer from motor control problems like trembling and muscle rigidity.

Geron is a California company that hopes to gain Food and Drug Administration permission to treat spinal-cord-injury patients with modified embryonic stem cells next year. Geron's president -- Thomas Okarma -- said his company's stem cells have shown no sign of causing tumor growth in any of its animal studies. Okarma added that the FDA has asked for additional extensive data on that particular problem before it will give its final approval for any further research that may result in a possible Geron product.

###

Related Articles

Additional Resources: stem cell brain tumors Parkinson's disease	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/020903.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.NaturalNews.com/020903.html">Experimental stem cell treatment caused brain tumors in rats</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts