Delhi High Court Permits Stem Cell Therapy for Autism

September 2, 2023

The Delhi High Court has granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to continue undergoing stem cell therapy, despite a recommendation against its use by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC). The court ruling addresses the immediate situation but also raises questions about the potential benefits and risks of using stem cell therapy for ASD.

Stem cells, with their regenerative properties, hold promise in medicine, but their application remains experimental. While some experts believe stem cell therapy could regulate the immune system and neural connectivity in ASD cases, the EMRB’s recommendation highlights the lack of sufficient evidence and established protocols. The court’s decision does not provide a general validation for stem cell therapy in ASD but emphasizes that the NMC can further assess the matter.

What prompted the Delhi High Court to grant permission for stem cell therapy in ASD cases?

The court’s decision followed a petition by the parents of two children with ASD. They challenged the EMRB’s recommendation against stem cell therapy, citing ongoing treatment and the lack of conclusive evidence against its efficacy.

What are stem cells and how are they relevant to medical treatment?

Stem cells are cells that can differentiate into various specialized cell types. Their regenerative properties make them valuable for treating diseases and conditions. Stem cell treatments, a part of regenerative medicine, have been used for conditions like leukaemia through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Why is stem cell therapy being considered for ASD treatment?

Some experts believe that stem cell therapy could regulate immune systems and neural connectivity in ASD cases. This therapy remains experimental and is not yet a standard treatment for ASD due to mixed clinical trial results, limited data, and potential risks.

What was the basis for the EMRB’s recommendation against stem cell therapy for ASD?

The EMRB recommended against stem cell therapy due to inadequate evidence, potential risks and side effects, as well as “predatory marketing” that raised false hopes among parents about “curing” ASD. They emphasized the need for established protocols.

What are the current treatments available for ASD?

There is no cure for ASD; current treatments focus on managing symptoms and enhancing functionality. Treatments include social skills training, behaviour therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychotropic drugs, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

What was the High Court’s ruling on the use of stem cell therapy for ASD?

The Delhi High Court’s ruling permits the ongoing stem cell therapy for the two children with ASD. The court’s decision does not provide a blanket endorsement of stem cell therapy for ASD treatment but rather allows the continuation of treatment in the specific cases while acknowledging the NMC’s authority to consider the matter further.

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