Cancer Cure Setback – Judge Blocks Funding for Stem Cell Research

Scientists are dismayed by a judge’s decision blocking federal funding for stem cell research saying it is a setback to the search for the treatment of cancer and other diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes.

On Monday, US District Judge Royce Lambert handed down a decision temporarily suspending federal funding for stem cell research. Many medical researchers believe that stem cells have the potential to cure cancer and a number of other notable human diseases.

Judge Lambert ruled in favor of Christian medical groups as he cited that federally funded stem cell research violates the 1995 Dickey Wicker amendment which prohibits federal funding of researches involving the destruction of human embryos.

In January, British scientists announced a breakthrough that could help in the treatment of cancer. The team of scientists from Oxford University told the Telegraph that they have developed a new approach in the isolation of cancer stem cells that will allow these cells to be grown and studied in the laboratory.

Stem cell treatments involve the introduction of new cells into damaged tissue as a way to treat disease or injury. Many medical scientists believe in the great potential of stem cell treatments because of the ability of stem cells to self-renew thus, have the potential to replace diseased and damaged areas in the human body. Aside from cancer, diseases that stem cells treatments are said to have the potential to cure include:  Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Celiac Disease, cardiac failure, muscle damage and neurological disorders. While a number of stem cell treatments exist, most are at their experimental stages. Further research is needed which is why scientists are hoping for budgetary support from the federal government.

During the administration of President George W. Bush, a ban was imposed on stem cell research on the basis of moral and religious arguments. President Obama overturned that ban and authorized the renewal of federal funding in March 2009, the Agence France Presse reported.

“The president said very plainly that this is important, life-saving research,” White House spokesman Bill Burton told reporters earlier. “We’re reviewing it so we can keep this important, potentially life-saving research moving forward in the most ethical way possible,” he said. Scientists who are pinning their hopes on stem cell research to find a cure for cancer and other diseases are hoping that the appeal on Judge Lambert’s decision will be upheld.

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