Beware “Cell Therapy” Clinics

In the October 2019 edition of the journal Ophthalmology, RS Nirwan and others published a study about clinics offering “cell therapy” for various eye conditions including macular degeneration. The study cites that treatment at “cell therapy” clinics have resulted in severe ocular complications. The article points out that there is scientific potential for help with ocular diseases through stem cell treatment. However, there is the potential for harm, especially with current commercial “cell therapy” clinics that market directly to consumers. The study cites one specific factor that seems very important in identifying a potentially dangerous “cell therapy” clinic: if the only treatment offered the the clinic is “cell therapy,” consumers should be extremely cautious.

Here is the citation for the article: Nirwan RS et al. Assessing “Cell Therapy” Clinics Offering Treatments of Ocular Conditions using Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Websites in the United States. Ophthalmology. 2019 Oct; 126(10): 1350-1355.