Not all stem cell research is equal
Regarding 'Academy issues stem cell proposal' (Wednesday, May 4):
As New Jersey Acting Governor Codey begins to implement his $380 million proposal for human stem cell research, let's remember that adult stem cells (ASC), not the morally controversial embryonic stem cells (ESC), have far greater disease-fighting potential — certainly in the near term, and probably even in the long term.
Scientists originally assumed that because ESCs differentiate in utero into every tissue, they could be applied clinically. However, researchers soon discovered that ESCs taken out of their natural environment grow uncontrollably, and attempts in animals to use these cells therapeutically have been plagued by tumor formation. In fact, while many ASC-based therapies are in advanced clinical trials, not a single ESC-based therapy is even in an early trial for use in human beings.
On April 20th at Princeton, Dr. David Prentice pointed out that ASCs have already been used to help cure diseases such as lupus, MS, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They have restored vision in the blind, healed damaged heart tissue in victims of heart attack and improved mobility in patients with spinal cord injury. Whereas initially, the scientific community largely agreed that ASCs could differentiate into only one tissue type, as reports of such advances spread, scientists have recanted their initial judgment and now see far greater potential in ASC research.
Perhaps this is why private investors have overwhelmingly chosen to invest in ASC research instead of embryonic. And now, politicians must also choose how to use our country's limited financial resources by investing either in research that destroys human life and has uncertain potential or in research that is ethically acceptable and is already being used in 58 clinical therapies.
Next week, Princeton Pro-Life will distribute pamphlets on stem cell research across the campus. We encourage you to seek out more information and look at the facts: ASCs, not ESCs, are saving lives. Governor Codey should fund ASC research instead of diverting funds to morally questionable and scientifically dubious ESCs. — Ashley Pavlic '07 President, Princeton Pro-Life
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