Brain Stem Cell Transplantation

The Associated Press reports here that the FDA has given approval to conduct the "first transplant of fetal stem cells into human brains, a procedure that if successful could open the door to treating a host of neural disorders."  The testing will begin on six children afflicted with Battern disease, a degenerative neurological disorder that tragically "renders its young victims blind, speechless and paralyzed before it kills them," usually before they reach their teen years.  Here's an excerpt:

The stem cells to be transplanted in the brain aren't human embryonic stem cells, which are derived from days-old embryos. Instead, the cells are immature neural cells that are destined to turn into the mature cells that makeup a fully formed brain. . . .

The idea is to inject the sick kids with healthy, immature neural stem cells that will "engraft" in a brain that will direct them to turn into cells able to produce the missing enzyme.

And here is Arthur Caplan's take:

"I'm sure there is no threat to anyone's identity," said Arthur Caplan, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics. "But we are starting down that road."

What's more, some of the brain cells to be implanted will be derived from aborted fetuses, which Caplan also said raised ethical concerns for some.

(Hat tip to Ivy Lapides.)

Comments

[youngen]

I hope not only that the IRB approves this study but also that the results are promising. The stem cell debate cries out for real support. Both sides are arguing from a position of ignorance. It is easy for scientists and others to predict that with further research stem cells will be useful in treating and curing many tragic and disabling medical conditions. We desperately need evidence that stem cell research/medicine offers a real benefit to living, suffering humans. This study could show that these practical applications are not as far off as some speculate. Why the length of time it takes to find a cure is considered as a worthy argument against stem cell research is baffling to me, but proponents of stem cell research nevertheless are forced to answer to it---and this study could truly impact the debate.