The potential for stem cells in cerebral palsy--piecing together the puzzle.
The substantial socioeconomic burden of a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, coupled with a positive anecdotal and media spin on stem cell treatments, drives many affected families to seek information and treatment outside of the current clinical and scientific realm. Preclinical studies using several types of stem and adult cells--including mesenchymal stem cells, neural precursor cells, olfactory ensheathing glia and Schwann cells--have demonstrated some regenerative and functional efficacy in neurologic paradigms. This paper describes the most common cell types investigated for transplant in vivo and summarizes the current state of early-phase clinical trials. It investigates the most relevant and promising coadministered therapies, including rehabilitation, drug targeting, magnetic stimulation, and bioengineering approaches. We highlight the need for adjunctive combinatorial strategies to successfully transfer stem cell treatments from bench to bedside.
Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Stuart D
SD
Faulkner
Crystal A
CA
Ruff
Michael G
MG
Fehlings
D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D018910:Video Games
D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D001418:Baclofen