A/Professor Megan Munsie PhD is the Deputy Director for the Centre for Stem Cell Systems at The University of Melbourne and the Head of the Education, Ethics, Law & Community Awareness Unit at Stem Cells Australia www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au

Stem cell therapy is something I am being asked more and more about so I did some research and came across A/Prof Munsie. Are they just another snake oil or do stem cells hold great opportunity for treating a wide range of severe and common disorders? Today we find out:

- What are stem cells

- What conditions is there consistent evidence in treatment?

- What treatment avenues are we exploring?

- Where is it too early to be recommending stem cells?

- The occurrence of commercial exploitation

- Risks, cost and ethics of stem cell therapy

Below is a list of helpful resources:

• NHMRC Quick Guide for GPs: Stem Cell Treatments
• NHMRC Stem Cell Treatments: Frequently Asked Questions
• Australian Stem Cell Handbook (co-developed by National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia and Stem Cells Australia)
• Patient Handbook - International Society for Stem Cell Research _ multiple languages
• Stem cell treatment and regulation - a quick guide for consumers - Therapeutic Goods Administration
• A Closer Look At Stem Cells website (also developed by ISSCR)
• EuroStemCell Factsheets about what are stem cells and how they could help different conditions
• MOVE - Stem Cell Treatments (PDF also available; co-developed with Stem Cells Australia and relates to muscle, bone, joint applications)
• Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians - Position Statement on MSCs