Providers capitalize on patient testimonials to market unproven stem cell treatments (SCTs). We evaluated 159 YouTube videos and found patients discussed health improvements (91.2%), praised providers (53.5%), and recommended SCTs (28.9%). In over a third of the videos, providers posed questions to patients, thereby directing narratives and making them a powerful marketing tool.

The direct-to-consumer marketing of unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs) is a serious public health concern. Regulations and education have had modest impact, indicating that different actors must play a role to stop this unfettered market. We consider the role of the biotech industry in tackling unproven SCIs. Grounded in the concept of corporate social responsibility, we argue that biotech companies should screen consumers to ensure that products and services are being used appropriately and educate employees about unproven SCIs.

Stem cell research is an exciting field with clinical potential and has been rapidly moving towards the goal of translating research into therapeutics. Like all scientific fields, there are many ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with stem cell research and stem cell scientists, especially trainees, should be aware of them. In this paper, we describe how course directors at academic institutions can develop training on ELSI of stem cell research for scientists. We describe how to perform a needs assessment and planning to develop pedagogical tools. We cover elements of course design, content and venue, and course evaluation. Lastly, we broadly discuss course topics including the responsible conduct of research, ethics of research involving animals and humans, and stem cell ethics and policy. This paper is meant to be a practical guide for course directors interested in developing ELSI pedagogy for stem cell scientists.

No abstract