Stem cell therapy may one day lead to treatment of many diseases. In theory, stem cells, which are embryonic (undifferentiated) cells can grow into any tissue in the body - in the proper environment and stimuli. And extracting stem cells is, currently, very complex.
However this has not stopped money hungry doctors trying to take advantage of patients. For example, despite the theoretical promise of stem cell therapy for heart failure (HF), the treatment has not worked in clinical trials and has not been approved by the FDA. These facts have not discouraged direct-to-consumer promotion by “stem cell centers” of the therapy for cardiac regeneration. To learn more, investigators used scripted telephone surveys with staff at these centers.
They found 39 centers offering treatment from $6,000 to $8,000 for one treatment (not covered by insurance) with cash discounts. Of 79 physicians associated, 13 had no board certification (extremely rare today), and only one was a cardiologist.
Center representatives characteristically promoted the efficacy of the therapy for HF (and other conditions) and undermined the patient's relationship with their regular doctor.
The promotion of this unproven and expensive therapy shamefully exploits patients with HF, who may be desperate for a “cure.” Although 7 of the 61 centers had been closed by the FDA or no longer had an active website, much stronger oversight and enforcement by FDA would be welcome.
JAMA Intern Med 2017 Jul 24
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