#24 Stem Cell Therapy with A/Professor Megan Munsie PhD The GP Show

A/Professor Megan Munsie PhD is the Deputy Director for the Centre for Stem Cell Systems at The University of Melbourne and the Head of the Education, Ethics, Law & Community Awareness Unit at Stem Cells Australia www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au
Stem cell therapy is something I am being asked more and more about so I did some research and came across A/Prof Munsie.  Are they just another snake oil or do stem cells hold great opportunity for treating a wide range of severe and common disorders?  Today we find out:
- What are stem cells
- What conditions is there consistent evidence in treatment?
- What treatment avenues are we exploring?
- Where is it too early to be recommending stem cells?
- The occurrence of commercial exploitation 
- Risks, cost and ethics of stem cell therapy
 
Below is a list of helpful resources:
NHMRC Quick Guide for GPs: Stem Cell Treatments NHMRC Stem Cell Treatments: Frequently Asked Questions Australian Stem Cell Handbook (co-developed by National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia and Stem Cells Australia) Patient Handbook - International Society for Stem Cell Research _ multiple languages Stem cell treatment and regulation - a quick guide for consumers - Therapeutic Goods Administration A Closer Look At Stem Cells website (also developed by ISSCR) EuroStemCell Factsheets about what are stem cells and how they could help different conditions MOVE - Stem Cell Treatments (PDF also available; co-developed with Stem Cells Australia and relates to muscle, bone, joint applications) Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians - Position Statement on MSCs