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Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in retinal and optic nerve diseases: An update of clinical trials
Sonia Labrador-Velandia1, María Luz Alonso-Alonso1, Sara Alvarez-Sanchez1
1Sonia Labrador-Velandia, María Luz Alonso-Alonso, José Carlos Pastor, Iván Fernandez-Bueno, Girish Kumar Srivastava, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
Abstract:
Retinal and optic nerve diseases are degenerative ocular pathologies which lead to irreversible visual loss. Since the advanced therapies availability, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach. Advances in the knowledge of neuroprotection, immunomodulation and regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been obtained by several preclinical studies of various neurodegenerative diseases. It has provided the opportunity to perform the translation of this knowledge to prospective treatment approaches for clinical practice. Since 2008, several first steps projecting new treatment approaches, have been taken regarding the use of cell therapy in patients with neurodegenerative pathologies of optic nerve and retina. Most of the clinical trials using MSCs are in I/II phase, recruiting patients or ongoing, and they have as main objective the safety assessment of MSCs using various routes of administration. However, it is important to recognize that, there is still a long way to go to reach clinical trials phase III-IV. Hence, it is necessary to continue preclinical and clinical studies to improve this new therapeutic tool. This paper reviews the latest progress of MSCs in human clinical trials for retinal and optic nerve diseases.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases. Current clinical trials focus on safety, with ongoing research needed to advance these cell-based therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases cause irreversible vision loss.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties.
- Preclinical studies support MSCs as a potential cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative conditions.
Approach:
- Reviewing the progress of human clinical trials using MSCs for retinal and optic nerve diseases.
- Analyzing the translation of preclinical findings into clinical applications.
- Assessing the current phase (primarily I/II) and objectives of ongoing trials.
Key Points:
- Clinical trials for MSCs in ocular neurodegenerative diseases began around 2008.
- Most trials are Phase I/II, focusing on safety and administration routes.
- Significant progress has been made, but further research is essential.
Conclusions:
- MSCs offer a promising therapeutic avenue for retinal and optic nerve diseases.
- Continued preclinical and clinical research is crucial for optimizing MSC-based treatments.
- Advancing to later-phase clinical trials (Phase III-IV) is the next critical step.
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