There are many concerns regarding the use of stem cell therapies not least whether they will function appropriately or survive for sufficiently long periods to result in a cure of the disease. The safety of such procedures is the subject of intense research and debate.

The main concerns are the possibility of the development of tumours by these cells, the chance that these cells may adversely affect the immune system of the host and whether the transplanted cells are genetically stable. Mutation of the genetic material within the cells will occur and we do not know yet what risks this will incur. This point is, however, another strong reason why so called stem cell tourism or pseudomedicine should be subjected to transparent assessment, independent peer review and close regulation.