An update on stem cell therapy for stroke patients: Where are we now?
Jonah GordonCesario Venturina BorlonganPublished in: Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism (2024)
With a foundation built upon initial work from the 1980s demonstrating graft viability in cerebral ischemia, stem cell transplantation has shown immense promise in promoting survival, enhancing neuroprotection and inducing neuroregeneration, while mitigating both histological and behavioral deficits that frequently accompany ischemic stroke. These findings have led to a number of clinical trials that have thoroughly supported a strong safety profile for stem cell therapy in patients but have generated variable efficacy. As preclinical evidence continues to expand through the investigation of new cell lines and optimization of stem cell delivery, it remains critical for translational models to adhere to the protocols established through basic scientific research. With the recent shift in approach towards utilization of stem cells as a conjunctive therapy alongside standard thrombolytic treatments, key issues including timing, route of administration, and stem cell type must each be appropriately translated from the laboratory in order to resolve the question of stem cell efficacy for cerebral ischemia that ultimately will enhance therapeutics for stroke patients towards improving quality of life.
Keyphrases
- stem cells
- cerebral ischemia
- stem cell transplantation
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- brain injury
- blood brain barrier
- cell therapy
- clinical trial
- high dose
- small molecule
- traumatic brain injury
- pulmonary embolism
- atrial fibrillation
- mesenchymal stem cells
- acute ischemic stroke
- low dose
- phase ii
- open label
- machine learning
- replacement therapy