Studying the lay of the land: views and experiences of professionals in the translational pluripotent stem cell field

Abstract

AIM: The inherent uncertainty of first-in-human trials, combined with the technical complexity of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), makes early phase PSC studies ethically challenging. Conducting parallel bioethics research based on experiences and views of professionals in the stem cell field is therefore important. MATERIALS & METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with various stakeholders to get a lay of the land of ethical issues professionals find relevant to the translation of PSCs. RESULTS: We identified four themes in the interviews: the uniqueness of PSCs, the suitability of the current research paradigm, the justification for early phase PSC studies and the involvement of patients and research participants. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a debate should take place discussing the suitability of the current research paradigm for translational PSC studies.