Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of Recent Clinical Trials

Cureus, 2022 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24575 · Published: April 28, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that leads to permanent loss of motor and sensory function. Current treatments have limited success in restoring neurological function after SCI. Stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for SCI. Stem cells have shown promise in promoting neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and functional recovery in animal studies. This review summarizes recent clinical trials that have investigated the use of different types of stem cells for treating SCI. The focus is on the effectiveness of these therapies in improving functional outcomes for patients with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Review of 18 clinical trials

Evidence Level

Review article of clinical trials

Key Findings

1
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promise due to their anti-apoptotic, neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.
2
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neurotrophic, and proangiogenic effects.
3
Neural stem cells (NSCs) can differentiate into glia, neurons, and astrocytes, and secrete growth factors that help damaged cells survive.

Research Summary

This review summarizes recent clinical trials investigating stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI). It discusses the pathophysiology of SCI and mechanisms of action of different stem cells. The review identifies 18 clinical trials using various stem cell types, including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), Schwann cells (SCs), and human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs). The review concludes that stem cell-based therapies offer intriguing therapeutic potential for SCI, but standardization between studies is lacking, and further research is needed to address ethical issues, tumorigenicity, and immunogenicity.

Practical Implications

Future Research Directions

Further studies are needed to optimize stem cell types, administration routes, dosages, and timing of transplantation to improve efficacy.

Clinical Trial Design

Well-designed phase I and II clinical trials are crucial to pave the way for larger phase III studies and eventual clinical application.

Combinational Approaches

Combinational approaches involving stem cells and biomaterials may play a significant role in enhancing SCI therapies.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneity among clinical trials in terms of stem cell type, administration route, dosage, and timing.
2
Variability in SCI patients and their functional recovery.
3
Lack of consensus on optimal follow-up duration to ensure long-term adverse effects exposure.

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