Recently, the Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to continue their stem cell therapy treatment, overturning a recommendation by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) against the use of stem cell treatment for ASD.
Court’s Decision
A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula ruled that the ongoing stem cell treatment for the two children should not be halted. The decision was prompted by the EMRB’s recommendation against the use of stem cell treatment for ASD, stating that such treatment could amount to professional misconduct. The court’s ruling allows the children’s treatment to continue while leaving the final decision to the NMC.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cells are cells with the unique ability to differentiate into various specialized cells within the body. There are two main categories of stem cells: pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into all types of adult body cells, and adult stem cells, specific to certain tissues or organs. In recent years, researchers have discovered ways to reprogram mature human adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells.
Medical Applications of Stem Cells
Stem cells have regenerative properties that make them valuable in medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, for example, has been used for decades to treat conditions like leukemia and lymphoma. Stem cell therapies aim to replace damaged or dysfunctional cells with healthy ones.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Treatment
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. There is currently no cure for ASD, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving the individual’s quality of life. Conventional therapies include social skills training, behavior therapy, speech therapy, and psychotropic drugs.
Stem Cell Treatment for ASD: Controversy and Potential
Some experts believe that stem cell therapy could benefit individuals with ASD by regulating the immune system and improving neural connectivity in the brain. However, this treatment remains experimental, with limited data and mixed results from initial clinical trials. The therapy carries risks, including adverse reactions and potential side effects, and its long-term effects are not well-understood. The EMRB’s recommendation against stem cell therapy for ASD stemmed from concerns about “predatory marketing” and false hope given to parents and caregivers regarding the possibility of curing ASD.
UPSC Mains Questions
- What role does the Ethics and Medical Registration Board play in evaluating medical treatments like stem cell therapy, and how can it strike a balance between patient interests and ethical concerns?
- What steps can be taken to ensure responsible marketing and communication about experimental medical treatments, especially those with limited data and potential risks, to avoid raising false hopes among patients and caregivers?
- In cases where the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the effectiveness of a medical treatment, how should courts approach decisions that impact individuals seeking such treatment, considering both their welfare and potential risks?
