Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Precision Ultrasound-guided Stem Cell Delivery for Vascular Repair in Aortic Diseases
Published on: June 20, 2025
Stem cell-based therapies for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm: development, application, and future potential
Seleem Badawy1,2, Shivesh Anand1,2, Ande X Marini1,2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA.
Abstract:
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), with approximately 200,000 new diagnoses each year, represent a prevalent clinical concern. Current treatment includes monitoring and surgical procedures once the aneurysm reaches a certain size. However, the lack of effective, timely therapies leads to a high mortality rate due to rupture. With recent advancements and innovations in biomedical science, stem cell therapy has moved closer to widespread clinical use, with the field experiencing rapid growth since its inception in the late 20th century. Given the pathophysiology of AAA, stem cell therapies have high potential impact in the treatment for both early and late-stage disease, targeting underlying mechanisms such as inflammation, vascular degeneration, and extracellular matrix degradation. There are many considerations and innovative potential approaches being explored in this type of treatment, such as strategically leveraging cell properties and their associated secretome and incorporating biomaterials-based strategies. This review article summarizes and critically assesses the efficacy of cell-based therapies in AAA preclinical models, current clinical trials in this area, and other emerging bioengineering approaches for the treatment of AAA.
Insights
Stem cell therapy shows promise for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) by targeting inflammation and degeneration. Research is evaluating its efficacy in preclinical models and clinical trials for this prevalent vascular condition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a significant clinical concern with high rupture-related mortality.
- Current treatments involve monitoring and surgery, lacking effective early-stage interventions.
- Stem cell therapy offers a promising avenue for AAA treatment, targeting key pathophysiological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the efficacy of cell-based therapies in preclinical AAA models.
- To review current clinical trials investigating stem cell treatments for AAA.
- To explore emerging bioengineering approaches for AAA management.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on stem cell therapy for AAA.
- Analysis of ongoing clinical trials for stem cell-based AAA treatment.
- Evaluation of biomaterials-based and cell-secretome strategies.
Main Results:
- Stem cell therapies demonstrate potential in targeting AAA pathophysiology, including inflammation and vascular degeneration.
- Preclinical models show promising results, informing clinical trial design.
- Various innovative approaches are being explored to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy holds significant potential for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Further research and clinical trials are crucial to establish the efficacy and safety of these regenerative approaches.
- Bioengineering strategies combined with cell-based therapies may offer novel treatment options for AAA.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
01:17Stem Cell Culture
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
01:22iPS Cell Differentiation