Article content

Brynn McLennan raised money to be treated in California for her debilitating muscular dystrophy; Tina Kapel sought help to combat Parkinson’s; Riley Cokes to curb the paralyzing effects of a car accident.

They are among a seemingly growing number of Canadians heading to the United States for what was once the purview of developing-world entrepreneurs: unproven and unregulated stem-cell therapies.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Study reveals explosion of unproven stem-cell treatment in U.S. — and many Canadians are seeking them out Back to video

A new study co-authored by a Canadian bioethicist has documented for the first time an explosion in the number of stem-cell clinics in the U.S., identifying at least 351 businesses marketing the alluring service direct to patients.

A smattering of Canadians — including the Alzheimer’s-stricken lead singer of Spirit of the West — have for several years ventured to places like China and Mexico for stem-cell treatment of dubious value and safety.

The spread of such facilities in the United States, with its aura of high-quality, well-regulated health care, is putting a positive new face on the questionable industry, the study’s authors say.

“There is a widespread misconception that if there is a clinic in the United States… making these claims about stem-cell therapy, then that must somehow be legitimate or credible,” said Leigh Turner, a Canadian professor at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Bioethics.

But American regulators “all too often are missing in action and standing on the sidelines,” he said, instead of ensuring the facilities are safe and effective.