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Raising awareness of stem cell therapy

17 September 2008

Professor Richard Boyd

Monash University will host a public forum and information day this month to raise awareness about stem cells and their therapeutic uses.

Stem Cell Awareness Day aims to foster a greater understanding of stem cells by a range of groups in the community - including patients and their support groups, clinicians, ethicists, researchers, students, and commercial interests.

Director of the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratory (MISCL) Professor Richard Boyd said stem cells were the inspiration for a whole new generation of research scientists, astonishing technical breakthroughs and thriving commercial opportunities.

"However, the enthusiasm for stem cell research has been tempered by unrealistic promises and expectations, and significant confusion and controversy in the community, often due to inadequate public education, ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells, and the perceived threat of human cloning," Professor Boyd said.

Professor Boyd said interest in stem cells had escalated dramatically over the past couple of years and the public forum would enable people to access information about the stem cell issues that confused them or that they simply wanted to know more about.

"The forum will address questions such as what stem cells are, what their clinical uses are and what ability they have to help patients immediately," he said.

"The forum will also address questions surrounding the banking of babies’ stem cells and safety, regulatory and ethical issues."

Stem cells serve as a repair system for the body because they can develop into many different cell types with specialised functions, such as a red blood, muscle or brain cells, which the body may be in need of.

Professor Boyd said stem cells were already being used extensively in various treatments and had the potential to treat a wide range of the most devastating degenerative and induced diseases including those of the cardiac and nervous systems, vascular and respiratory systems, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), immunodeficiency states, and cancer.

"Stem cell therapies may also become useful for treating a wide range of sporting and other physical injuries, and may assist in recovery from surgery," he said.

Stem Cell Awareness Day will be held on 25 September from 10 am to 5.30 pm at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Clayton campus.

To register your interest in attending or for more information, visit the Stem Cell Awareness Day website.