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Recent advances in stem cells therapy: A focus on cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Dalia Fleifel1, Mai Atef Rahmoon1, Abdelrahman AlOkda1
1Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Ahmed Zewail Road, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza 12578, Egypt.
Abstract:
Stem cells serve as potential therapeutics due to their high proliferative capacity, low immunogenic reactivity and their differentiating capabilities. Several pre-clinical and early-stage clinical studies are carried out to treat genetic diseases, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders with promising preliminary results. However, there are still many challenges that scientists are trying to overcome such as the unclear expression profile of stem cells in vivo, the homing of stem cells to the site of injury and their potential immune-reactivity. Prospective research lies in gene editing of autologous stem cells in vitro and safe injection of these modified cells back into patients. Here, we review the clinical trials executed using stem cell therapy in an attempt to cure challenging diseases like cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Insights
Stem cell therapy shows promise for treating genetic diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Ongoing research addresses challenges like cell tracking and immune response to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Stem cells possess high proliferative capacity, low immunogenicity, and differentiation potential, making them promising therapeutic agents.
- Pre-clinical and early-stage clinical studies demonstrate preliminary success in treating genetic diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders using stem cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical trials of stem cell therapy for challenging diseases.
- To highlight the potential and challenges of stem cell therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials involving stem cell therapy.
- Analysis of stem cell properties relevant to therapeutic applications.
- Discussion of challenges in stem cell therapy, including in vivo expression, homing, and immunogenicity.
Main Results:
- Stem cell therapy has shown promising preliminary results in treating various diseases.
- Key challenges remain, including understanding stem cell behavior in vivo and managing immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy holds significant therapeutic potential for complex diseases.
- Future research directions include gene editing of autologous stem cells and improving cell delivery and integration.