Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 11, 2026

The Use of Induced Somatic Sector Analysis ISSA for Studying Genes and Promoters Involved in Wood Formation and Secondary Stem Development
09:54

The Use of Induced Somatic Sector Analysis ISSA for Studying Genes and Promoters Involved in Wood Formation and Secondary Stem Development

Published on: October 5, 2016

9.2K

The involvement of Canadian physicians in promoting and providing unproven and unapproved stem cell interventions

Ubaka Ogbogu1, Jenny Du2, Yonida Koukio3

  • 1Faculties of Law and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. uogbogu@ualberta.ca.

BMC Medical Ethics
|May 3, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Canadian physicians are increasingly offering unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs) directly to consumers, with claims of efficacy often overshadowing potential risks and regulatory compliance. Urgent action is needed to address this growing market.

Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Health Policy
  • Consumer Protection

Background:

  • Direct-to-consumer marketing of unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs) is a significant scientific and policy concern.
  • Media reports indicate the emergence of SCI providers in Canada.
  • This study offers the first systematic examination of Canadian SCI providers, their trends, and claims.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct the first systematic scan of Canadian direct-to-consumer stem cell intervention providers.
  • To analyze the trends and claims associated with these providers.
  • To identify potential ethical, legal, and regulatory issues.

Main Methods:

  • A Google™ keyword search identified 15 provider websites.
  • A peer-reviewed coding frame assessed treatment location, stem cell type, claims, evidence, and compliance.
  • Inter-rater reliability was established, and data were analyzed using SPSS.

Main Results:

  • Physicians dominate SCI provision in Canada, operating in urban centers.
  • Treatments primarily involve autologous adult stem cells for conditions like musculoskeletal disorders and spinal cord injury.
  • Claims emphasize efficacy and benefits, downplaying risks and regulatory considerations.

Conclusions:

  • Physician involvement in unproven SCIs raises serious ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns.
  • Treatment claims may violate professional standards and consumer protection laws.
  • Proactive regulatory intervention is crucial to prevent the exploitation of patients in this emerging market.
Keywords:
CanadaFalse advertisingPhysiciansStem cellStem cell interventions (SCIs)Stem cell tourismStem cell treatmentUnproven treatments

More Related Videos

Transient Treatment of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells with DMSO to Promote Differentiation06:55

Transient Treatment of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells with DMSO to Promote Differentiation

Published on: July 17, 2019

15.4K
Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells22:06

Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: February 25, 2007

14.0K

Related Concept Videos

The Eukaryotic Promoter Region02:40

The Eukaryotic Promoter Region

The eukaryotic promoter region is a segment of DNA located upstream of a gene. It contains an RNA polymerase binding site, a transcription start site, and several cis-regulatory sequences.  The proximal promoter region is located in the vicinity of the gene and has cis-regulatory sequences and the core promoter. The core promoter is the binding site for RNA polymerase and is usually located between -35 and +35 nucleotides from the transcription start site. The distal promoter regions are...
18.9K
The Eukaryotic Promoter Region02:40

The Eukaryotic Promoter Region

4.0K
Adult Stem Cells01:33

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously...
33.9K
Nursing Interventions I: Taxonomy of Nursing Interventions01:03

Nursing Interventions I: Taxonomy of Nursing Interventions

Nursing interventions are chosen as part of the planning process to achieve patient outcomes. Once nursing diagnoses are determined, the goals and outcomes are specified, then the nursing interventions are selected and individualized according to the patient's situation.
A nursing intervention is a treatment or action based on scientific concepts and knowledge from the nursing, behavioral, and physical sciences. Identifying and prioritizing nursing interventions based on the desired outcome...
3.9K
Embryonic Stem Cells00:58

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
32.6K
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions01:29

Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions

Creating and executing a nursing diagnosis helps nurses plan care and guide patient, family, and community interventions. They are developed based on a patient's physical evaluation and support measuring the outcomes. It is not recommended to select random interventions throughout the planning process. Instead, consider the following six essential factors when choosing interventions:
3.4K