Stem Cells Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: An Overview of Clinical Trials

Types of Stem Cells for SCI Treatment:

1. Neuronal Stem Cells: These cells can differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. They also secrete growth-promoting factors like Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), and Insulin Growth-Factors-1 (IGF-1).
2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): These cells can be harvested from various tissues like bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue. They have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and can release growth factors like BDNF, GDNF, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF), and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
3. AST-OPC1: An experimental compound made up of Oligodendrocyte Progenitors Cells (OPCs) derived from human Embryonic Stem Cells. It has shown potential in producing neurotrophic factors, stimulating vascularization, and inducing remyelination of damaged axons.

Clinical Trials:

The report also discusses clinical trials that aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in SCI. For example, a Phase 1 study (NCT02152657) aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous administration of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) in subjects with chronic SCI. The study assessed various parameters like motor strength, sensitivity, and urological function.

Limitations:

1. Risk of tumors and unforeseen alterations in phenotype.
2. Choice of route of administration can affect efficacy.
3. Low rate of neuronal differentiation and survival after transplantation.