What obstacles stand in the way of stem cell therapy

Some of the obstacles that stem cell therapy faces are:

1. Understanding the diseases and their progression as well as the properties of the stem cells. This will tell scientists how, when and where to use this form of treatment. We do not yet fully understand the mechanisms behind diseases and their genetic and molecular signals.

2. Controlling and regulating the differentiation process so that desired cell types will be created. This is a tricky process that is difficult to manipulate.

3. The identification of stem cells in adults, collecting enough cells as well as creating large enough amounts of a specific cell type.

4. Preventing the rejection of the cells by a person's own immune system.

5. Ethical dillemas when embryonic stem cells are involved as well as scientific and governmental regulations.

6. The creation of standardized protocols for how the stem cells should be obtained and handled so that consistent results can be achieved.