The huge potential of adult stem cells

Another of the participants attending the conference in the Vatican on adult stem cell research is Doctor David Prentice, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Bioethics expert at the John Paul II Institute of the Catholic University of America. Unlike the much-hyped embryonic stem cells, he says adult stem cells are already proving their worth in clinical trials but this important message is not getting out to the general public. Dr Prentice says " very few people .. including some profesionals ... understand that adult stem cells are already treating thousands of people every year for dozens of different of diseases... and the list is growing each year."

Asked about the potential for adult stem cells, Dr Prentice replies: "I really believe the sky is the limit for adult stem cells" but says the sector needs more publicity and more resources to realise its potential. When it comes to the use of embryonic stem cells, he says, apart from the ethical issues, they "still have many practical problems" including..... "tumour growth and forming the wrong tissues in the wrong place in the body."

Listen to the whole interview with Dr David Prentice by Susy Hodges: