Know the truth about stem cells

The ignorance about stem cells displayed by Mr. McDougall ("A Stem cell is a cell, not a fetus," May 7, 2009) is astounding.

Here is the truth about stem cells. First, more than 70 diseases are currently being treated with adult stem cells; embryonic stem cells treat zero diseases. Adult stem cell research is showing results, whereas embryonic stem cell research has so far shown nothing.

Second, it is true that only embryonic stem cells are totipotent (can differentiate into all types of cells); however, plenty of adult stem cells are pluripotent (can differentiate into most types of cells). Mr. McDougall claims that "embryonic stem cells can repair or renew almost any part of the body while adult stem cells can work their wonders only on the specific body parts for which they are preprogrammed." Actually, our own adult stem cells and adult stem cells retrieved from umbilical cord blood can repair or renew almost any part of the body, whereas embryonic stem cells can do this only in theory.

Third, the basic problem with embryonic stem cells is that their differentiation is uncontrollable, and there is no certainty that scientists will ever be able to overcome this challenge. They may, given enough time, discover how to make embryonic stem cells do what they want, but why bother when adult stem cell research is showing such success and promise? Ms. Muhr (in another letter) was wrong when she said that we can get "just as good results" from adult stem cells, for we get much, much better results.

So let's all support and encourage adult stem cell research so that many more diseases that cause great suffering can be treated and cured, rather than pretend that the theoretical potential of embryonic stem cells is already a reality.

Joseph O'Day

Palatine