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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

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Intravenous and Intra-amniotic In Utero Transplantation in the Murine Model
Published on: October 9, 2018
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In utero stem cell and gene therapy: current status and future perspectives
Stavros P Loukogeorgakis1, Alan W Flake2
1Surgery Unit, University College London Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Prenatal stem cell and gene therapies show promise for treating inherited disorders. This review summarizes progress and challenges in applying these fetal interventions for congenital diseases.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Genetics
- Fetal Surgery
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis advances enable fetal therapies for congenital disorders.
- In utero surgical correction is limited to anatomical defects.
- Prenatal stem cell and gene therapy offer potential for inherited diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental progress in in utero stem cell transplantation and gene transfer.
- To assess the potential for treating congenital diseases prenatally.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies on animal models.
- Analysis of progress toward clinical application of fetal stem cell and gene therapies.
Main Results:
- Animal models show encouraging results for prenatal therapies.
- Clinical utility is currently limited by efficacy and safety concerns.
Conclusions:
- In utero stem cell and gene therapies hold significant potential for treating a wide range of inherited disorders.
- Further research is needed to overcome efficacy and safety challenges for clinical application.
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