Is it too soon for mesenchymal stem cell trials in people with ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting primarily the motor neurons. Stem cell therapy is under development as a possible treatment approach. A pilot study of intraspinal injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) was conducted in 9 participants. We review this paper, the rationale, preclinical data and study design.
Badayan
Irina
I
Neurology Clinical Trials Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. ibadayan@partners.org
Cudkowicz
Merit E
ME
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors