Autologous bone marrow cell infusion therapy for liver cirrhosis patients

We developed a novel cell therapy, autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy, using autologous bone marrow, for liver cirrhosis patients. Our study depends on the findings from basic studies that bone marrow cell infusion repairs liver fibrosis in the cirrhotic liver, and improves liver function and the survival rate. Beginning in November 2003, we started a clinical study and found that ABMi therapy was safe and effective for liver cirrhosis patients. Multicenter trials in Japan and Korea have also shown the effectiveness of ABMi therapy. In this review, we report the current status of ABMi therapy for liver cirrhosis patients.