Stem cell treatments flourish despite little evidence they work

A doctor extracting bone marrow from a patient's pelvic bone at a clinic in the US for a stem cell procedure earlier this year. The Food and Drug Administration has taken an industry-friendly approach towards companies using unproven cell cocktails t
A doctor extracting bone marrow from a patient's pelvic bone at a clinic in the US for a stem cell procedure earlier this year. The Food and Drug Administration has taken an industry-friendly approach towards companies using unproven cell cocktails to treat people desperate for relief from ageing or damaged joints. PHOTO: NYTIMES

A surgeon recommended a hip replacement, but Mr Kenneth Cevoli said no thanks.

"They're really quick to try to give you fake joints and make a bunch of money off you," he said.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 18, 2019, with the headline Stem cell treatments flourish despite little evidence they work. Subscribe