In this episode, Dr. Michael Roizen interviews Dr. Leigh Turner, an expert in bioethics and stem cell commercialization, to discuss the risks and challenges of unproven stem cell therapies and the broader medical tourism market. Leigh Turner, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Center for Bioethics, the School of Public Health, and the College of Pharmacy. Turner has published extensively on the ethical implications of medical travel and the globalization of healthcare. 

Key Points:

This episode sheds light on the commercialization of unproven stem cell treatments, warning listeners of the associated risks and urging them to make informed decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical medical practices and regulatory oversight in this emerging field.

• Introduction to Stem Cell Therapies: Dr. Turner addresses the widespread marketing of stem cell treatments, particularly for conditions like knee pain, despite limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and safety.
• Insurance and Cost: Most stem cell treatments are not covered by insurance due to the lack of robust clinical evidence, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket, often for unproven interventions.
• Risks of Stem Cell Procedures: Turner highlights the potential dangers of certain stem cell injections, particularly when they go beyond joints, with reports of severe complications like blindness and stroke.
• Medical Tourism and Unregulated Markets: The episode discusses how many stem cell clinics, particularly in upscale areas like California, Florida, and Texas, market themselves aggressively without sufficient regulatory oversight, leading to both financial and health risks for patients.
• Ethics of Stem Cell Marketing: Turner emphasizes the ethical concerns surrounding clinics making unsubstantiated claims, capitalizing on desperate patients seeking hope for conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s.
• Seeking Safe Treatment: The key takeaway for patients is to consult with reputable, academic medical centers, ask questions about risks and benefits, and consider treatments covered by insurance for added reliability.