A Survey of Italian Physicians' Opinion about Stem Cells Research: What Doctors Prefer and What the Law Requires

Abstract

To evaluate the Italian physicians' knowledge/information level about the therapeutic potential of stem cells, the research choice between embryonic and cordonal stem cells, and the preference between autologous and heterologous storage of cordonal stem cells, we performed a national survey. The questionnaire—distributed to 3361 physicians—involved physicians of different religious orientations and of different medical specialities. Most of the physicians involved (67%) were Catholics, and the majority were gynaecologists and paediatricians (43%) who are mainly in charge to inform future mothers about the possibility of cordonal stem cells conservation. The majority of the physicians interviewed do not have specific knowledge about stem cells (59%), most of them having only generic information (92%). The largest part of physicians prefer to use umbilical cord blood cells rather than embryonic stem cells. Nevertheless, a large percentage of physicians were in favour of embryo research, especially when embryos are supernumerary (44% versus 34%). Eighty-seven % of the physicians interviewed proved to have a general knowledge about stem cells and believe in their therapeutic potential. They prefer research on cordonal stem cells rather than on embryo stem cells. Although they are in favour of heterologous stem cells donation, they still prefer cryopreservation for personal use.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude toward stem cells and their implications in dentistry among recent graduates of dental schools in Saudi Arabia

“…For example, a study conducted in Nigeria reported that majority of dentists had inadequate knowledge of stem cell use in dentistry (Sede et al, 2016). In addition, a study conducted in Italy concluded that two-thirds of participated physicians had no specific knowledge about stem cells (Frati et al, 2014).…”

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Applications of Stem Cells in Dentistry among Dental House Surgeons, Postgraduate Students, and Teaching Faculties in Two Dental Colleges in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

“…A similar study, conducted among medical doctors in Italy in 2014, found that the majority of the physicians interviewed did not have specific knowledge on stem cells (59%); most (65%) of those involved did not attend additional training courses regarding stem cells, but most were interested in stem cells (70%), suggesting that they believe in the potential benefits of developing stem cell therapies. 11 After a brief survey conducted by Bajek and Drewa, 3 at the Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland, an obligatory subject "Regenerative Medicine" for 5th year medical students was introduced.…”

Embryonic Stem Cells: Where Do We Stand at the Moment?

“…This law does not specify any rule regarding the fate of excess embryos obtained from in vitro fertilization procedures before the law is passed and actually stored in different Reproductive Technology Centers or for potential studies whereby embryonic stem cells are imported from abroad. Autologous storage of embryonic stem cells for personal use is permitted only in case of serious illness, in the case of families at high risk of genetic diseases (48). Very liberal models occur in countries such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Greece where the embryo acquisition/use is allowed for research purposes under the strict supervision of the authorized institutions.…”

“…In Belgium, Greece and Sweden, embryos are allowed until 14 days after fertilization, and in the Czech Republic up to 7 days after fertilization, but embryo cloning is prohibited. The Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed that the destruction of embryos should be avoided and it has been ruled that medicines derived from research with human embryonic cells cannot be patented (48).…”