Stem cell research goes under the microscope

Stem cell research raises ethical and medical questions Keystone

The controversial subject of stem cell research is being examined in Switzerland as part of International Brain Awareness week.

In Geneva, the discussions centred on the types of cells used to treat certain brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers have discovered that in some cases, the devastating effects of the disease can be treated by injecting stem cells from aborted foetuses or umbilical cords directly into a sufferer’s brain.

However, another solution might be to use stem cells of early embryos from in vitro fertilisation, although this is currently forbidden under Swiss law.

“There is hope that these types of treatments might lead to durable cures,” says Alex Mauron, a professor of bioethics at Geneva University’s medical school.

“For instance, with Parkinson’s, many patients react well to drug treatments initially, but they lose their efficacy over a longer period of time. A cell treatment would be more permanent.”

Ethical questions

However, the use of stem cells also raises problematic ethical questions, he says.

“There are a lot of concerns about the origin of the cells,” Mauron told swissinfo. “The tests have to be ethical and the patients have to been fully informed about what they are getting into.

“Another fear is the effect of interfering with the brain by using live cells, rather than drugs. Some people even have ‘fantasies’ about how this might bring about changes in one’s character,” Mauron continues.

In Switzerland, there is currently no legislation forbidding the therapeutic use of stem cells from aborted foetuses, while the use of early embryos is forbidden.

However, Mauron hopes that new legislation on stem research, due to be passed in the coming weeks, may allow Switzerland to adopt a more “middle of the road stance”.

“At the moment, stem cell research is still in its infancy, but I do think that it will pay off in the long term,” says Mauron.

swissinfo