How to Become a Research Participant in Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell research is full of promise and controversy. People suffering with Parkinson’s, peripheral artery disease, cancer and a host of other conditions are hopeful about the potential gains with stem cell therapy. Clinical trials for stem cell therapy are highly regulated for those who want to be a part of it. Here’s how to become a participant in stem cell therapy research.

Instructions

1. Contact the National Institute of Health, Federal Drug Administration and clinicaltrials.gov. These are all government entities that have up to date information on all clinical trials including stem cell therapy. These organizations will be a good starting point to begin a search.

2. Meet trial requirements. Most stem cell research requires participants to be at least 18 years of age. Centerwatch.com has a database of clinical trials. After entering “stem cell” into the search tool, individual trials will appear with specific requirements for that trial. Participants must sign consent and in most cases have the condition being addressed by stem cell therapy.

3. Know the NIH guideline for stem cell research. This information may be found on the Federal Register. The National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells is the title of the guideline. Anyone seeking participation in a stem cell therapy trial should at least have access to this.

4. Be comfortable with the ethical issues surrounding stem cell therapy research. Some people believe that stem cell research is a crime against nature and may lead to creations that contradict the natural order. Do the research on stem cell therapy and know the views of all dissenting voices so that a knowledgeable decision can be made about becoming a participant

Resources

• Federal Drug Administration