Stem cell research in the United States should go forward, even as scientists and ethicists work to resolve issues that have made the use of such cells controversial, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute for Civil Society have recommended.
In particular, the use of human embryonic stem cells has come under scrutiny since two groups of scientists announced last November that they had isolated the embryonic cells, which have the potential to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. Although the cells have been heralded for their potential to cure a wide range of diseases, including potential uses in transplantation, study of the cells has been criticized because the cells must be isolated from human embryos. Currently, a federal ban prohibits funding for research involving embryos.
However, when the science association and the institute met last month to consider the scientific, ethical, and policy issues surrounding the use of stem cells-including stem cells isolated from adults as well as from embryos — they concluded that such research is too important to delay.
As of the end of August, the groups' preliminary findings were posted at www.aaas.org/spp/dspp/sfrl/projects/stem/findings.htm.
Highlights from the report include the following:
"... human stem cell biology is about to enter a phase of research and development that could lead to unprecedented cures and palliatives treatments" for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system.
"We believe that existing federal regulatory and social control mechanisms, combined with informed public dialogue, provide a sufficient framework for oversight of human stem cell research ... [W]e have concluded that no new regulatory mechanisms are needed ... to ensure responsible social and professional control of stem cell research in the United States."
"We support federal funding for stem cell research ... The federal government is the only realistic source for such an infusion of funds."
"We recommend public funding for embryonic stem cell- and embryonic germ cell research, but not at this time for activities involved in the isolation of embryonic stem cells, about which there remains continuing debate ... Despite our belief that the derivation of human stem cells can be done in an ethical manner, we understand that there is enough objection to the process of deriving stem cells to consider recommending against its public funding ... The dialogue about these issues is ongoing in the United States, but these concerns need not exclude publicly funded research activities on cell lines that have already been established."
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