STEM CELLS: THE FUTURE AND THE FACTS

At the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), researchers are excited and optimistic about the use of stem cells to treat human disease. These special cells provide great promise for creating regenerative therapies where currently none exist. ISCRM scientists are working to develop new approaches to today’s most serious conditions and diseases.

Right now, the bone marrow transplant remains the only FDA approved stem cell treatment available at this time. It involves the use of blood stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells to treat individuals with blood cancers such as leukemia. It took decades to develop and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.  While ISCRM scientists and researchers are on the brink of new discoveries that may soon change how we confront chronic diseases impacting the heart, brain, kidneys, and pancreas, we want to caution the public to be aware of the current limits of stem cell medicine. Please read more below.

A Word of Caution

Predatory businesses across the country are misusing the term stem cells to market unapproved, unproven, and unsafe procedures that are often expensive and largely ineffective. Learn more here.

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Stem Cells in the News

Local and national media outlets have reported on the risks associated with unapproved stem cell treatments. Click below for links to articles in the NY Times, Washington Post, and Consumer Reports.

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External Links

Want to learn more about stem cells, clinical trials, and patient care at UW Medicine? Click below for links to informative websites, including the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

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More About Stem Cells

What is regenerative medicine? What are induced pluripotent stem cells? How does stem cell therapy work? Click more to learn about these topics and more.

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