The medical report titled "Neural tube defects: review of experimental evidence on stem cell therapy and newer treatment options" focuses on the potential treatment options for Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). NTDs are malformations that occur due to the failure of the neural tube to close properly during development. The most common types of NTDs in humans include anencephaly, encephalocele, exencephaly, craniorachischisis spina bifida with or without myelomeningocele, lipomyeloschisis, lipomyelomeningocele, meningocele, and myelocystocele.
Current Preventive Strategies
The report highlights that current preventive strategies for NTDs are primarily based on pharmacologic and folic acid supplementation.
Emerging Treatment Options
However, it suggests that stem cell-based therapies and other combination approaches may emerge as potential treatment options for NTDs in the future.
Experimental Evidence
The review provides an account of experimental evidence supporting the use of stem cell therapy for treating NTDs. Although the report does not delve into the specifics of the experimental evidence, it emphasizes that newer treatment options have become available in recent years, indicating a shift in the medical community's approach to managing these conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the report serves as a comprehensive review of the state of research on NTDs, particularly focusing on the promise of stem cell therapies and other emerging treatment options. It suggests that while folic acid supplementation remains a cornerstone in the prevention of NTDs, advances in stem cell research could offer more effective treatment options in the future.