Research progress and prospects of benefit‑risk assessment methods for umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03797-y · Published: June 10, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). hUMSCs have advantages like easy collection and high self-renewal ability. The study explores methods to evaluate the benefits and risks of using hUMSCs in SCI treatment, focusing on motor and sensory function, imaging, electrophysiology, and autonomic nervous system function. The aim is to improve the rationality of clinical research and the feasibility of translating hUMSC therapies into practical treatments for SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Multiple studies with various participant numbers, some exceeding 100, others with smaller cohorts of chronic SCI patients.

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
hUMSCs can promote the recovery of motor and urinary function in SCI patients, with some clinical studies showing significant improvements in motion, self-care ability, and muscle tension.
2
Intrathecal transplantation of hUMSCs has been demonstrated as a safe intervention and can increase sensation in adjacent injured segments in chronic complete SCI patients.
3
Comprehensive evaluations, imaging, electrophysiological assessments, and autonomic nervous system function assessments are crucial for assessing the benefits and risks of hUMSC treatment for SCI.

Research Summary

This review examines the potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting their advantages and therapeutic roles. The study discusses the progress in research and application of hUMSCs in SCI, including clinical trials and the use of supportive tissue engineering scaffolds. A key focus is on the benefit-risk evaluation of hUMSCs for SCI treatment, emphasizing comprehensive assessment methods, imaging techniques, electrophysiological assessments, and autonomic nervous system function assessment.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The review provides insights to improve the clinical applicability and feasibility of hUMSC-based therapies for SCI.

Risk-Benefit Assessment

The outlined evaluation methods offer a structured approach for assessing the benefits and risks associated with hUMSC transplantation.

Treatment Optimization

Combining hUMSC transplantation with tissue engineering scaffolds and neuroelectric/magnetic stimulation may enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Most recent clinical studies are single-center studies, limiting the generalizability of findings.
2
The therapeutic effect of hUMSC transplantation alone is not entirely satisfactory.
3
Efficacy of combined treatments (e.g., hUMSCs with biomaterials) has not been fully validated in clinical studies.

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