The publication of a report in a medical journal about an Israeli teenager developing brain tumours following experimental stem cell injections at a Russian clinic, has led stem cell specialists to issue a stern warning against the dangers of medical tourism, as they believe unproven overseas stem cell therapy could leave patients worse off than before the treatment.

This, despite the fact signing up for clinically unproven, overseas stem cell therapy is worth the risk for many suffering from conditions like spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron or Parkinson’s disease.

Further, there have been other reports, as well, of patients contracting meningitis after treatment in China.

The Australian Stem Cell Centre plans to release a handbook on radial stem cell treatment analysis abroad next month.

Even though, many patients have benefited from having stem cell treatments abroad, stem cell experts are warning them against taking the risk, including urging them to consider unproven treatments only after arming themselves with information and questions.

Patients should also find out everything about hidden costs, medications, post-operative support and whether any data has been published by the clinic they are receiving treatment at.

Patients are also being urged to be wary of international clinics relying on fancy websites and individual testimonials, which uncorroborated claims on the internet cannot be proven or disproven.

Many clinics in Asia and Europe are largely private and unregulated, charging tens of thousands of dollars plus travel costs, without publishing clinical proof of their efficacy, instead impress patients with their slick websites and individual testimonies.