Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment of Cutaneous Radiation Injury

Regenerative medicine is an emerging field of medicine focusing on the development of novel therapies to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged cells and tissues. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) use to promote tissue repair in a variety of injury and disease states is one promising area of regenerative medicine. Herein, we review the fundamental stem cell biology of MSCs, their use in the treatment of radiation injury to internal organs, cutaneous injury, and specifically, cutaneous radiation injury. We also highlight publicly available clinical case reports where MSCs have been used in the treatment of acute cutaneous radiation injury. The utility of differentially sourced MSCs, MSCs versus MSC products, and various MSC treatment plans are also explored.