Human embryonic stem cells: possibilities for future cell transplantation therapy

Human embryonic stem cells are of great importance, and Parkinson's disease is given as an example of a condition that could benefit from the development of stem cell-based transplantation therapies. The reason for this is fairly obvious: the disease is caused by the loss of only one cell type from the brain that has one major function, namely the production of dopamine. Replacement of these cells should in principle cure the disease. But what are stem cells and how far is scientific research from being able to offer stem cell based therapy in the clinic to patients suffering-from-Parkinson's disease, and other chronic diseases? These questions are addressed here together with a critical evaluation of short and long-term clinical perspectives, and a discussion of possible alternatives such as adult stem cells.