Use of bone marrow cells not only feasible but show positive effects
Researchers led by Sean I. Savitz, MD, reported today in the journal Stem Cells that bone marrow cells used to treat ischemic stroke in an expanded Phase I trial were not only safe and feasible, but also resulted in enhanced recovery compared to a matched historical control group.
In addition, using serial diffusion tensor imaging, the repair of motor nerve tracts that extend from the brain through the spinal cord were captured for the first time in study participants, according to the team at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
“In the typical stroke injury, you can see the degeneration of the nerve tracts where it thins out,” said Savitz, director of the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease and professor of neurology with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
“What surprised us was that after three to six months, we could see the tracts thicken up again in some patients. We do not typically see that same level of response in patients with such severe strokes but further research will be needed to determine if the return of the nerve tracts is because of the cell treatment or part of natural recovery.”
The latest paper included results from 25 patients, who received an intravenous dose of their own bone marrow cells within 72 hours after first symptoms of stroke.
“According to our findings, it is feasible to perform a bone marrow harvest and then infuse the cells in a wide range of stroke patients,” Savitz said. “Well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to further assess safety and efficacy of this novel approach to enhance stroke recovery.”
SOURCE: Univ. of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
