Stem cells to repair heart damage? Not so fast
Stem cells, which can be derived from embryos or made from other cells, have the potential to grow into a variety of heart cell types. Although more than 100 clinical trials have shown that delivering stem cells to the heart is feasible and safe, there is no evidence that this therapy helps people with heart disease. Yet some 61 centers throughout the country market stem cell therapy for people with heart failure. The FDA has shut down several of these unregulated clinics and sent warning letters to others.
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