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Lin TJ, Cheng KC, Wu LY, Lai WY, Ling TY, Kuo YC, Huang YH. Potential of Cellular Therapy for ALS: Current Strategies and Future Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851613. [PMID: 35372346 PMCID: PMC8966507 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive upper and lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration with unclear pathology. The worldwide prevalence of ALS is approximately 4.42 per 100,000 populations, and death occurs within 3-5 years after diagnosis. However, no effective therapeutic modality for ALS is currently available. In recent years, cellular therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential because it exerts immunomodulatory effects and protects the MN circuit. However, the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy in ALS are still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current progress in cellular therapy for ALS. The underlying mechanism, current clinical trials, and the pros and cons of cellular therapy using different types of cell are discussed. In addition, clinical studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ALS are highlighted. The summarized findings of this review can facilitate the future clinical application of precision medicine using cellular therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Jung Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chao Cheng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Luo-Yun Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mazini L, Rochette L, Amine M, Malka G. Regenerative Capacity of Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs), Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102523. [PMID: 31121953 PMCID: PMC6566837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is now on the top one of stem cell sources regarding its accessibility, abundance, and less painful collection procedure when compared to other sources. The adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) that it contains can be maintained and expanded in culture for long periods of time without losing their differentiation capacity, leading to large cell quantities being increasingly used in cell therapy purposes. Many reports showed that ADSCs-based cell therapy products demonstrated optimal efficacy and efficiency in some clinical indications for both autologous and allogeneic purposes, hence becoming considered as potential tools for replacing, repairing, and regenerating dead or damaged cells. In this review, we analyzed the therapeutic advancement of ADSCs in comparison to bone marrow (BM) and umbilical cord (UC)-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and designed the specific requirements to their best clinical practices and safety. Our analysis was focused on the ADSCs, rather than the whole stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell populations, to facilitate characterization that is related to their source of origins. Clinical outcomes improvement suggested that these cells hold great promise in stem cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and auto-immunes diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Mazini
- Laboratoire Cellules Souches et Ingénierie Tissulaire, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
| | - Luc Rochette
- Equipe d'Accueil (EA 7460), Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie Cérébro-Cardiovasculaires (PEC2), Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Faculté des Sciences de Santé, 7 Bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Mohamed Amine
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Biostatique, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
- Département de Santé Publique et de Médecine Communautaire, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Malka
- Laboratoire Cellules Souches et Ingénierie Tissulaire, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Biostatique, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
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Mazini L, Rochette L, Amine M, Malka G. Regenerative Capacity of Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs), Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Int J Mol Sci 2019. [PMID: 31121953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102523.pmid:31121953;pmcid:pmc6566837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is now on the top one of stem cell sources regarding its accessibility, abundance, and less painful collection procedure when compared to other sources. The adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) that it contains can be maintained and expanded in culture for long periods of time without losing their differentiation capacity, leading to large cell quantities being increasingly used in cell therapy purposes. Many reports showed that ADSCs-based cell therapy products demonstrated optimal efficacy and efficiency in some clinical indications for both autologous and allogeneic purposes, hence becoming considered as potential tools for replacing, repairing, and regenerating dead or damaged cells. In this review, we analyzed the therapeutic advancement of ADSCs in comparison to bone marrow (BM) and umbilical cord (UC)-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and designed the specific requirements to their best clinical practices and safety. Our analysis was focused on the ADSCs, rather than the whole stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell populations, to facilitate characterization that is related to their source of origins. Clinical outcomes improvement suggested that these cells hold great promise in stem cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and auto-immunes diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Mazini
- Laboratoire Cellules Souches et Ingénierie Tissulaire, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
| | - Luc Rochette
- Equipe d'Accueil (EA 7460), Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie Cérébro-Cardiovasculaires (PEC2), Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Faculté des Sciences de Santé, 7 Bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Mohamed Amine
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Biostatique, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
- Département de Santé Publique et de Médecine Communautaire, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.
| | - Gabriel Malka
- Laboratoire Cellules Souches et Ingénierie Tissulaire, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Biostatique, Centre Interface Applications Médicales CIAM, Université Mohammed VI polytechnique, Ben Guérir 43150, Morocco.
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Vawda R, Badner A, Hong J, Mikhail M, Lakhani A, Dragas R, Xhima K, Barretto T, Librach CL, Fehlings MG. Early Intravenous Infusion of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exerts a Tissue Source Age-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Neurovascular Integrity and Neurobehavioral Recovery After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:639-649. [PMID: 30912623 PMCID: PMC6591557 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized vascular disruption after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a cascade of secondary events, including inflammation, gliosis, and scarring, that can further impact recovery. In addition to immunomodulatory and neurotrophic properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess pericytic characteristics. These features make MSCs an ideal candidate for acute cell therapy targeting vascular disruption, which could reduce the severity of secondary injury, enhance tissue preservation and repair, and ultimately promote functional recovery. A moderately severe cervical clip compression/contusion injury was induced at C7‐T1 in adult female rats, followed by an intravenous tail vein infusion 1 hour post‐SCI of (a) term‐birth human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs); (b) first‐trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVCs); (c) adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; or (d) vehicle control. Weekly behavioral testing was performed. Rats were sacrificed at 24 hours or 10 weeks post‐SCI and immunohistochemistry and ultrasound imaging were performed. Both term and FTM HUCPVC‐infused rats displayed improved (p < .05) grip strength compared with vehicle controls. However, only FTM HUCPVC‐infusion led to significant weight gain. All cell infusion treatments resulted in reduced glial scarring (p < .05). Cell infusion also led to increased axonal, myelin, and vascular densities (p < .05). Although post‐traumatic cavity volume was reduced with cell infusion, this did not reach significance. Taken together, we demonstrate selective long‐term functional recovery alongside histological improvements with HUCPVC infusion in a clinically relevant model of cervical SCI. Our findings highlight the potential of these cells for acute therapeutic intervention after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reaz Vawda
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Badner
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mirriam Mikhail
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alam Lakhani
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Dragas
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristiana Xhima
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery and Spinal Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhu H, Poon W, Liu Y, Leung GKK, Wong Y, Feng Y, Ng SCP, Tsang KS, Sun DTF, Yeung DK, Shen C, Niu F, Xu Z, Tan P, Tang S, Gao H, Cha Y, So KF, Fleischaker R, Sun D, Chen J, Lai J, Cheng W, Young W. Phase I-II Clinical Trial Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell Transplant Therapy of Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Transplant 2018; 25:1925-1943. [PMID: 27075659 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x691411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cell (UCB-MNC) transplants improve recovery in animal spinal cord injury (SCI) models. We transplanted UCB-MNCs into 28 patients with chronic complete SCI in Hong Kong (HK) and Kunming (KM). Stemcyte Inc. donated UCB-MNCs isolated from human leukocyte antigen (HLA ≥4:6)-matched UCB units. In HK, four patients received four 4-μl injections (1.6 million cells) into dorsal entry zones above and below the injury site, and another four received 8-μl injections (3.2 million cells). The eight patients were an average of 13 years after C5-T10 SCI. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of five patients showed white matter gaps at the injury site before treatment. Two patients had fiber bundles growing across the injury site by 12 months, and the rest had narrower white matter gaps. Motor, walking index of SCI (WISCI), and spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores did not change. In KM, five groups of four patients received four 4-μl (1.6 million cells), 8-μl (3.2 million cells), 16-μl injections (6.4 million cells), 6.4 million cells plus 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP), or 6.4 million cells plus MP and a 6-week course of oral lithium carbonate (750 mg/day). KM patients averaged 7 years after C3-T11 SCI and received 3-6 months of intensive locomotor training. Before surgery, only two patients walked 10 m with assistance and did not need assistance for bladder or bowel management before surgery. The rest could not walk or do their bladder and bowel management without assistance. At about a year (41-87 weeks), WISCI and SCIM scores improved: 15/20 patients walked 10 m ( p = 0.001) and 12/20 did not need assistance for bladder management ( p = 0.001) or bowel management ( p = 0.002). Five patients converted from complete to incomplete (two sensory, three motor; p = 0.038) SCI. We conclude that UCB-MNC transplants and locomotor training improved WISCI and SCIM scores. We propose further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Waisang Poon
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | | | - Yatwa Wong
- Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Feng
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Stephanie C P Ng
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Kam Sze Tsang
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - David T F Sun
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - David K Yeung
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Caihong Shen
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Fang Niu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Zhexi Xu
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Pengju Tan
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Shaofeng Tang
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Hongkun Gao
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China.,Kunming Tongren Hospital, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Yun Cha
- Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology and State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, and Medical Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | | | - Dongming Sun
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - John Chen
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Jan Lai
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Wendy Cheng
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Wise Young
- China Spinal Cord Injury Network, Hong Kong Science Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Rizk M, Aziz J, Shorr R, Allan DS. Cell-Based Therapy Using Umbilical Cord Blood for Novel Indications in Regenerative Therapy and Immune Modulation: An Updated Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2017; 23:1607-1613. [PMID: 28602892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapy using umbilical cord blood (UCB) is being used increasingly in novel applications. To balance heightened public expectations and ensure appropriateness of emerging cell-based treatment choices, regular evidence-based assessment of novel UCB-derived therapies is needed. We performed a systematic search of the literature and identified 57 studies (814 patients) for analysis. Sixteen of these studies (353 patients) included a control group for comparison. The most commonly reported novel indication for therapy was neurologic diseases (25 studies, 476 patients), including studies of cerebral palsy (12 studies, 276 patients). Other indications included diabetes mellitus (9 studies, 149 patients), cardiac and vascular diseases (7 studies, 24 patients), and hepatic diseases (4 studies, 106 patients). Most studies administered total nucleated cells, mononuclear cells, or CD34-selected cells (31 studies, 513 patients), whereas 20 studies described the use of UCB-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. The majority of reports (46 studies, 627 patients) described cellular products obtained from allogeneic sources, whereas 11 studies (187 patients) used autologous products. We identified 3 indications where multiple prospective controlled studies have been published: 4 of 4 studies reported clinical benefit in cerebral palsy, 1 of 3 studies reported benefit for cirrhosis, and 1 of 3 studies reported biochemical response in type 1 diabetes), although heterogeneity among the studies precluded meaningful pooled analysis of results. We anticipate a more clear understanding of the clinical benefit for specific indications once more controlled studies are reported. Patients should continue to be enrolled on registered clinical trials for novel therapies. Blood establishments, transplantation centers, and regulatory bodies need to prepare for greater clinical demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Rizk
- Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology Programs, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Aziz
- Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology Programs, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Risa Shorr
- Library Services, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David S Allan
- Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology Programs, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine (Hematology), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Iafolla MAJ, Tay J, Allan DS. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood-derived cells for novel indications in regenerative therapy or immune modulation: a scoping review of clinical studies. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2013; 20:20-5. [PMID: 24067504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2013.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although used mainly for transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells in the treatment of blood disorders, umbilical cord blood (UCB)-based therapies are now being used increasingly for novel applications in nonhematopoietic diseases and as a form of cellular regenerative therapy or immune modulation. We performed a systematic scoping review by searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for published articles, and we searched www.clinicaltrials.com and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to describe the breadth of published studies and ongoing clinical activity in umbilical cord-based cellular therapy for regenerative therapy and immune modulation. The most commonly published area of expertise in the use of UCB-derived cellular transplantation for novel indications is for neurological disorders and this remains the most active area of study in ongoing registered trials. An increasingly broad range of disorders, however, are reflected in ongoing registered trials, which suggests greater activity, interest, and investment in UCB-derived cellular therapy. Interestingly, adult patients compose the majority of patients reported in published reports and registered ongoing clinical studies continue to enroll predominantly adult subjects. Geographically, Asian countries appear most active in UCB-derived cellular therapy and our analysis of ongoing studies suggests this trend will likely continue. Regular assessment of published and ongoing activity in UCB transplantation for emerging novel indications will be critical for informing UCB banking establishments and funding agencies to guide changes in banking practices related to emerging trends in cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Tay
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Blood & Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David S Allan
- Regenerative Medicine Program; Blood & Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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