Progress in the application of stem cell therapy for moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive cerebrovascular disorder that is characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery and its branches, leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Traditional surgical interventions, such as direct and indirect revascularization, have been the mainstays of treatment. However, the search for novel therapeutic approaches has spurred the exploration of stem cell (SC) therapy as a potential therapeutic option. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of various stem cell types, including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in promoting angiogenesis and neuroprotection. Clinical trials have demonstrated that SC therapy can be safely administered, with no reports of significant adverse events. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that stem cell therapy may improve cerebral blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke recurrence in MMD patients. Although SC therapy for MMD is still in the early stages of development, there is promising evidence supporting its potential as a treatment strategy. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal cell type, dosing, and delivery methods, as well as to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of SC therapy. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and to move SC therapy closer to clinical application for the treatment of MMD.