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JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2001 93(19):1447; doi:10.1093/jnci/93.19.1447
© 2001 by Oxford University Press
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Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 93, No. 19, 1447, October 3, 2001
© 2001 Oxford University Press

NEWS

National Academy of Sciences Weighs in on Stem Cell Research

A comprehensive stem cell report from the nation’s top scientific body recommends far more publicly funded research than is allowed by the policy President Bush announced in August. In a case of advice after decision, the National Academy of Sciences issued its science and policy report in early September.

Written by a committee of top clinical and basic scientists who hold no stake in stem cell work, the report calls for a continuous supply of new embryonic stem cells. The Bush policy forbids public financing of new cells. The NAS report also concludes that limiting funding is unwise because "quality, publicly funded research is the wellspring of medical breakthroughs."

Other conclusions:

• While the treatment promise of stem cells runs high, the science is in its infancy. Therapies, if they come to fruition, lie years or decades in the future.

• Public funding for research on human stem cells—both embryonic and adult—should be generous. Most existing knowledge derives from work with mouse embryonic stem cells and may not apply to humans.

• Current research shows that embryonic stem cells hold far more potential than adult cells. Embryonic cells can change into more tissue types and replicate indefinitely, two properties not generally shown with adult cells.

• New means of overcoming tissue rejection must be found. Immune rejection, as seen in bone marrow transplants, will be a major barrier to successful therapies. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloned embryonic stem cells), genetic manipulation, and large banks of genetically diverse stem cells are the most promising approaches and should be investigated in parallel.

• A group of top scientists and ethicists, akin to the existing Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, should oversee all publicly funded stem cell work. Clinical trials should proceed only after thorough vetting by this committee.


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This Article
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