The Importance of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are the basis of scientific rigour, ideally they are well constructed in order to eliminate bias, large enough to overcome the possibility of being skewed by random occurrences, and well enough documented to be reproducible and verifiable.  In actuality, most clinical trials fail on a number of these counts and constitute a slightly less than perfect piece of evidence in the scientific puzzle.  In the area of stem cell science research faces a number of unique problems; public perception, expense and complexity, legal issues, hope and conflicting funding interests to name just a few.


All of these considerations make clinical trials of even higher import for the advancement of stem cell research.  As stem cell science progresses there are discoveries which negate many of the ethical and legal arguments around stem cell derivation (such as foetal stem cells), and public perception of the ‘Frankenstein’ science is slowly altering.  At the other extreme, the idea that stem cells are the ultimate panacea is gradually being quashed too, with the limits of the stem cells’ use being pushed and tested and barriers being found to their potential application based on science rather than speculation, fear, and legalities.

Why Clinical Trials

Clinical trials allow for a controlled use of stem cells in a select group of patients, animals, or tissue culture that can be observed, reproduced, and followed up on.  Unlike non-specific injection with material which may or may not contain stem cells at a clinic which has sprung up overnight in some far-flung location offering a cure-all the participation in a clinical trial usually means that rigorous testing and follow-up, with a careful eye on patients’ health and safety occurs.  This is both due to genuine care for the patient but also a necessity to perfect a treatment in pursuit of further financial gain on the part of researchers and pharmaceutical companies.  A healthy dose of cynicism is needed throughout much of the medical profession, clinical trials are no different.

Perfecting a delivery mechanism, dose, duration, and follow-up care is all contingent on successful clinical trials and is not a quick or easy thing to achieve.  Simply injecting material extracted from an umbilical cord and calling it stem cell treatment offers no guarantee to a patient, nor any degree of reassurance regarding safety.  With money paid up front and a plentiful supply of new customers these clinics may have little care over customer retention.

Read on about: Different Types of Clinical Trials