Magnus Tim, Liu Ying, Parker Graham C, Rao Mahendra S
Stem Cell Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 333 Cassell Drive, Room 406A, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2008 Jan 12;363(1489):9-22. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2006.2009.
Stem cells, although difficult to define, hold great promise as tools for understanding development and as therapeutic agents. However, as with any new field, uncritical enthusiasm can outstrip reality. In this review, we have listed nine common myths that we believe affect our approach to evaluating stem cells for therapy. We suggest that careful consideration needs to be given to each of these issues when evaluating a particular cell for its use in therapy. Data need to be collected and reported for failed as well as successful experiments and a rigorous scientific approach taken to evaluate the undeniable promise of stem cell biology.