NMC in its report uploaded on 14th December prohibited the use of stem cell therapy in treating patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Apex medical commission’s Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMBR) constituted the panel of experts to examine the issues related to the prescription, recommendation, or administration of stem cell treatment for ASD.
National Medical Commission said that the use of stem cell therapy (STP) in treating patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not recommended and its promotion and advertisement will be considered professional misconduct.
The reports show that the hospitals get at least one patient in the 7-8 group whose parents have tried cell therapy to treat autism, but in vain. The cost per therapy is ₹3- ₹4 lakh. Because of the stigma or being told by doctors that there won’t be much, or slow improvement in their child, parents fall for stem cell advertisements. In fact, in the hopes of seeing the miracle cure the therapy promises, several times, patients stopped the treatment midway and opted for the therapy.
The trustee, of Forum for Autism, Parul Kumtha commented, “Many parents have mortgaged their jewelry, and property to bear the cost of treatment. If any medical centers are researching stem cell therapy, then they shouldn’t charge the patients. Also, as the NMC ordered, there is no known cure for autism and it is medically unethical to promise it as a cure.”
What are ASD and Stem Cell Therapy?
ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and comes from a range of severity, the presence of a variety of symptoms, and multiple causes. It causes life-long disability, however, they can improve with developmental, behavioral, educational, and other interventions, especially when started at the early stage because of developmental plasticity.
On the other hand, stem cells are special human cells that are capable of developing into various types of cells and can self-renew themselves. They prove crucial in the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs in the body. Blood cancers, Neuroblastoma, and certain other hematological disorders are so far being treated by harnessing stem cells for therapy.
The panel in its report mentioned that in terms of research there had been several case studies, case reports, series, and uncontrolled open-label studies but very few very well-designed double-blind randomized controlled studies (RCTs) have been conducted. Only two meta-analyses have been published on this topic in the last 1-2 years and both have noted that the scientific studies have been inadequate. Therefore, it was opined that it is impossible to draw any firm conclusions on the efficacy of SCT in ASD.
The way forward
Several petitions have been signed in the last 2 years against such acts of misinformation and professional misconduct on the part of doctors, research institutes, and hospitals. Last year Mumbai-based Adult Support Kendra (ASK), along with 400 signatories including neurologists, pediatricians, and parent support groups and organizations signed the petition against clinics and doctors luring families by making a claim that they can ‘cure’ autism and charging exorbitant fees for this ‘treatment’. Several parents mentioned that there was no change in the condition, in fact, their kids developed irritability and aggression during the treatment.
After this petition, ICMR then its guideline mentioned that the critical review of the studies did not prove or support the use of SCT over and above the behavioral and supportive therapies for ASD. Further participants in a clinical trial should not be made to pay for any expenses incurred beyond routine clinical care.
In conclusion, more research needs to be conducted, and the safety and efficacy of SCT in ASD have to be explored. Meanwhile, false advertisements regarding the matter need to stop.
