title: Stem cell therapy in ischemic stroke: role of IV and intra-arterial therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cell-based therapies are being investigated as an adjunct to IV thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke. This review summarizes the potential applications as well as challenges of intravascular cell delivery in ischemic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a search of Medline as well as the clinicaltrials.gov Web site for all ongoing human clinical studies using stem cells in ischemic stroke patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pros and cons of the various donor cell types and routes of cell delivery, including intravascular delivery, in ischemic stroke are discussed. In addition, the potential challenges in translation from bench to bedside, the optimal techniques for intravascular cell delivery, and an updated comprehensive list of ongoing clinical trials in ischemic stroke are highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stem cells have shown a promising role in ischemic stroke, in preclinical studies as well as initial pilot studies. Further studies are needed to assess intravascular cell therapy as a potential adjunct to thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke.
authors.affiliation: Texas Stroke Institute, HCA North Texas Division, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Walter C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: Vallabh
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Janardhan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*