Perspectives on the New ISSCR Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation

Purpose of Review: This review seeks to highlight key elements of the ISSCR 2016 Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, describe apparent influences on the Guidelines, provide an analysis of the utility and the potential impact of the Guidelines on the field of stem cell research, and propose considerations for the future versions of the Guidelines. Recent Findings: Part ethical code of conduct, part “how-to” instructions, and part policy declaration, this version of the Guidelines forms ISSCR’s most up-to-date recommendations and guidance on the topic of stem cell clinical translation. Summary: In the revised set of Guidelines, ISSCR has asserted the imperative of maintaining the highest ethical standards for clinical translation of stem cell research. The Guidelines set a sound foundation for self-regulation, not only communicating the Society’s position on what is legitimate stem cell research/treatment and what is not, but also fulfilling ISSCR’s mission of providing professional (and public) education regarding the specific steps that should be taken to translate basic research findings to the clinic. Future versions would benefit from more extensive references, including hyperlinks to regulatory authority guidance documents; and improved clarity of the writing style, including avoidance of vague descriptions and the addition of flow charts and/or tables. © 2018, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.