Ethical Aspects of Translating Research with Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products into Clinical Practice: A...

Experimental therapies with embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and, more recently, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are steadily gaining ground in clinical practice. The implementation of such novel high-risk/high-potential treatments calls for proper safeguards for the interests of the public and, most importantly, of research participants directly affected by the design and outcomes of trials. We argue that the active involvement of stakeholders in decision-making is ethically required. Public and patient involvement is a necessary prerequisite for dealing responsibly with high-risk/high-potential clinical research such as stem-cell research. Moreover, there is an urgent need for public debate, regionally and globally, about the present and future value of such types of research. A stakeholder approach that pays attention to all of the people and institutions involved, including patients and their organizations, will guide the translational process and maintain the public's trust in such a rapidly evolving scientific field.