Two Keio University researchers took bone marrow from a total of 31 patients without permission, it was revealed at a March 19 press conference on the ongoing case of illicit marrow harvesting at the prestigious university.The two researchers, a professor and a lecturer of Keio University Hospital's respiratory surgery section, harvested the marrow for use in a clinical study from cancer patients during surgeries -- without the patients' knowledge.
The pair has been found in violation of ethics guidelines set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and the university has suspended their activities at the hospital, banned them from publishing their research and applying for new clinical studies for one year, and is considering further punishment.
The health ministry has called on the university to release a detailed report on patient consent in its other clinical studies, and on what measures it may take to prevent a recurrence. Read More
