Stem cell and genetic therapies for the fetus

In the near future, prenatal therapy may include stem cell-based cellular therapy or gene therapy. There is considerable overlap in the rationale and potential applications for these 2 approaches. The purpose of this manuscript is to consider current progress in both areas relevant to prenatal treatment. Although clinical application is currently limited to a few highly selected disorders that are amenable to cellular therapy, there is reason to believe that a dramatic increase in application will occur in the near future.