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Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research on Neurologic and Orthopedic Conditions

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Safety, Ethics and Regulations

Part of the book series: Stem Cells in Clinical Applications ((SCCA))

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Abstract

The range and gravity of ethical considerations in stem cell research are remarkable and, quite possibly, unprecedented. From the point of securing stem cells for implantation, through the translational and first-in-human process, and then proceeding through clinical trials culminating in product or service line launch, the entire research trajectory is replete with risk, uncertainty, and problems over weighing foreseeable harms against hoped-for benefits. This paper offers an overview of some of the most salient ethical challenges of stem cell research including ones involving moral status, the intersection of research risks and informed consent processes, methodological considerations in early Phase I trials, the temptation to exaggerate the benefits of research discoveries, managing conflicts of interest, and the ethical obligation to conduct various monitoring practices throughout a trial, which could last years. The article will conclude with a glimpse into the future of these technologies wherein the need for ethical scrutiny will likely not diminish.

The original version of this chapter was revised. An erratum to this chapter can be found at DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-59165-0_16

Reprinted from PM&R Journal, Vol. 7 issue 4S, Banja J.D., Ethical considerations in stem cell research on neurological and orthopedic conditions, S66 – S75, 2015 with permission from Elsevier.

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Acknowledgement

Preparation of this Article is Supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (Award No. UL1TR000454).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    John D. Banja

  2. Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    John D. Banja

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  1. John D. Banja
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Correspondence to John D. Banja .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stem Cell Institute, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Phuc Van Pham

  2. Centre for Education Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom

    Achim Rosemann

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Banja, J.D. (2017). Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research on Neurologic and Orthopedic Conditions. In: Pham, P., Rosemann, A. (eds) Safety, Ethics and Regulations. Stem Cells in Clinical Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59165-0_6

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