[Nurse involvement in clinical trials with cell therapy]

Research with stem cells has made a qualitative leap since the research group from Minnesota University Stem Cell Institute in the USA published a study in July 2002, which showed that the bone marrow stem cells of adults multiplied indefinitely without losing their ability to differentiate. In this hospital the first implant of stem cells derived from adipose tissue was performed in this hospital in 2003 in an attempt to close a complex perianal fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease. As a result of this first success, a multidisciplinary research team was formed to study the application of stem cells in the treatment of complex anal fistula. Since its creation, it has included a nurse whose role is fundamental in the coordination of the different phases of the trials and the involvement of patients in these. The development of these new treatments, along with their complexity and direct effects on the patient, involves the training and presence of the professional nurse in these teams. The improvement shown in tissue healing would make it very worthwhile to demonstrate their efficacy in wound care, pressure sores, diabetic foot, etc.