As a spine surgeon, I am frequently asked about the benefits of stem cell therapy by patients (and their loved ones) who suffer from spinal cord injury. India is part of a vast network of countries where "website clinics" offer stem cell therapy for such injuries. These websites publish glowing patient testimonials and many assure patients of a cure. Desperate patients and families searching for hope do not know that these treatments are experimental and potentially harmful. Also, recipients of such therapy are disqualified from participating in legitimate clinical trials in the future.
The Association of Spine Surgeons of India has published a position statement condemning this practice, stating that it is unethical to offer this experimental therapy and charge an exorbitant price for it. The ICMR's published national guideline on stem cell research warns that treatment provided outside the ambit of an approved clinical trial shall be considered malpractice.
For more information, listen to the panel discussion below on the perils of stem cell tourism, conducted at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.