Is it necessary to continue stem cell cloning now that stem cells from bone marrow seem to be pluripotent?
Our scientific knowledge is still very limited on all the ways that cells are regulated for growth and differentiation alone and with regard to all the details distinguishing use for cells of autologous (self) or allogeneic (other human) donors. There are no master banks of universal donor cells for all recipient patients who might need help. Clinical studies have not been done to show that all types of “replacement parts” can come from autologous marrow (unlikely in cases of certain diseases such as cancer and old age). Thus, we must continue the scientific work to get the answers and move forward. In my opinion, anything less is irresponsible, scientifically and medically unsound, unconscionable and unethical.
