Response to Inaccurate Representation of Statements by ISSCR President

Feb. 25, 2010
The ISSCR is concerned that some clinics around the world offer stem cell-based treatments for a variety of diseases without evidence that these procedures will be either safe or effective. The ISSCR’s position on this issue has been confused in a recent article citing ISSCR President Irving Weissman, M.D. with a separate discussion on umbilical cord blood banking.

These two topics are independent from each other, and the ISSCR’s position on the sale of stem cell therapies does not reflect a position on cord blood banking. In recent years doctors have successfully used cord blood to treat blood-related conditions, such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia.  Whether parents choose to bank their child’s cord blood is a complex and personal decision which is best discussed with their personal physician.

Updated February 25, 2010