disadvantages and advantages of using stem cells in medicine Flashcards
in therapeutic cloning, what type of embryo is produced?
an embryo with the same genes as the patient
what is the best type of embryonic cells?
a 5 day old embryo
what are the benefits of using stem cells? (variety)
great potential to treat a wide variety of diseases from diabetes to paralysis
what are the benefits of using stem cells? (organs)
organs developed from a patient’s own stem cells reduces the risk of organ rejection and the need to wait for an organ donation
what are the benefits of using stem cells? (successful)
adult stem cells are already used successfully in a variety of treatments acting as proof of benefits
what are the risks/issues of using stem cells? (infected)
stem cells cultured in the lab could become infected with a virus which could be transmitted to the patient
what are the risks/issues of using stem cells? (mutations)
there is a risk of cultured stem cells accumulating mutations that can lead to them developing into cancer cells
what are the risks/issues of using stem cells? (donors)
low number of stem cell donors
what are the social issues with stem cells? (expensive)
possible for embryonic stem cells to be collected before birth (from amniotic fluid) or after birth (umbilical cord blood) and stored by a clinic- this can be expensive and is not an option for everyone
what are the social issues with stem cells (lack of evidence)?
a lack of peer - reviewed clinical evidence of the success of stem cell treatments
what are the social issues with stem cells (education)?
educating the public sufficiently about what stem cells can and cannot be used for
what are the ethical issues with stem cells (sourcing)?
they may be sourced from unused embryos produced in IVF treatment- who gives the permission for the embryo to be used
what are the ethical issues with stem cells (human rights)?
should an embryo be treated as a person with human rights?
