Stem Cell Therapy Ruled Out by the Supreme Court

In a landmark decision given by the Supreme Court, Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment has been ruled out. It was made clear that stem cell therapy lacks scientific evidence for the credibility of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, making it unethical and a part of medical malpractice. 

What is ASD? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts social interaction and restrictive & repetitive behaviour. The individual struggles with establishing and maintaining relationships, expressing verbally and nonverbally. There are hyper-sensory or hypo-sensory issues. 

Essential Points of Judgement

The following are the major points given:

• Stem Cell Therapy lacks credible scientific evidence about ASD
• Patients cannot demand the treatment as their right because there is a lack of adequate scientific evidence. 
• For patients already going through the treatment must be put in place, and continuous care needs to be given under the approved pathways. 
• It was also brought to the notice that approved, monitored, and regulated clinical trials for stem cell treatment are permissible, but only to advance scientific knowledge. Not as a part of therapy given to patients. 

Reason for the Judgement 

In the name of unproven and experimental therapies, the vulnerable families are targeted. While stem cell treatments have worked well in many medical areas. However, it has been repeatedly highlighted by scientific authorities that, regarding ASD, credible evidence is lacking. The judgement aligns with the Global Ethical Standards, including guidance from the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

The organisations also warn that premature routine clinical use of stem cells as therapy could expose the patient to the risk of infection, immune reaction, and long-term complications. As it’s a neurodevelopmental condition, the functioning of the brain is impacted, which cannot be cured. However, it could be managed through evidence-based therapies. 

Read More: Why Sensory Sensitivity Matters in Workplace Design for Autistic Individuals

Is Consent Enough? 

Though in usual treatment, the individual or their family members’ consent is essential. However, in cases where the treatment lacks scientific credentials, the consent holds no validity. A choice between scientific unproven therapy or no treatment cannot be offered to vulnerable families.

Patients’ Ongoing with the treatment

For individuals who have already received the stem cell treatment cannot be continued as routine therapy. The court has given responsibility to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and National Medical Commission (NMC), AIIMS, about re-routing patients to proper, scientifically evidence-based treatment. This is about the safety of patients.