Current Concept of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Review

Korean J Neurotrauma, 2016 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2016.12.2.40 · Published: August 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic condition associated with significant neurological deficit, social, and financial burdens. Over the past decades, various treatments including medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy for SCI have been performed, but there were no definite treatment option to improve neurological function of patients with chronic SCI. Among various types of stem cells, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells is highly expected as candidates for the stem cell therapy.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Direct intramedullary injection to the injured spinal cord site in subacute phase is most effective.
2
Neurological examination, electrophysiologic studies, and magnetic resonance imaging are commonly used to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
3
Diffusion tensor imaging visualizing white matter tract can be also alternative option to identify neuronal regeneration.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic condition associated with significant neurological deficit, social, and financial burdens. Over the past decades, various treatments including medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy for SCI have been performed, but there were no definite treatment option to improve neurological function of patients with chronic SCI. Despite various challenging issues, stem cell therapy will open new perspectives for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Advancements in SCI Treatment

Stem cell therapy offers a potential avenue for addressing the limitations of existing treatments for chronic SCI.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Promise

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells hold significant promise as candidates for stem cell therapy in SCI.

Optimizing Delivery and Timing

Direct intramedullary injection during the subacute phase of SCI may represent the most effective approach for stem cell transplantation.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneity in SCI cause and severity complicates randomized control trials.
2
Ethical aspects make comparison between treatment and control groups difficult.
3
Results of animal experiments cannot be directly applied to humans in terms of safety and efficacy.

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