Table 3.

Consensus Statements on Stem Cell Therapy

No.	Statement
1	The progenitors contributing to tissue development, regeneration, and healing in each specific tissue must be identified. The mechanisms regulating this contribution must be characterized.
2	The optimum preparation of stem cells for each indication must be established in a systematic fashion. Considerations should include cell number, concomitant use of growth factors, predifferentization, and vehicle.
3	Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from different tissues must be compared to identify the most appropriate cell source for each specific indication.
4	The mechanism responsible for therapeutic effects observed in applications to date must be comprehensively characterized.
5	A standardized assay of stem cell efficacy is needed.
6	Methods for establishing proof of safety of stem cell therapy should be determined in collaboration with industry and regulatory agencies. This process may require evidence of phenotype stability or viability.
7	The most appropriate control for clinical studies evaluating stem cell therapy in each indication must be identified.