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What about all the advertisements or news stories of people going abroad for stem cell treatment ("medical tourism")?

While many clinics advertise stem cell cures for many different diseases, clinical trials on the use of stem cells are very limited. Most of the success stories reported in the news and on the internet are anecdotal accounts. The reports on the success of such treatments cannot replace large-scale, rigorously controlled clinical trials to prove both the safety and efficacy of treatments. Additionally, the people running such clinics and profiting from them are the same people declaring them to be safe and successful, presenting potential conflicts of interest. Finally, participation in these treatments may preclude participation in future clinical trials in this country. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has published a useful guide to clinical uses of stem cells. Please consult your physician before undertaking any therapy or treatment.