Stem cell therapy to treat acute stroke patients
Dileep Yavagal, MD, University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, discusses his work on the use of stem cell therapy to treat acute stroke patients. Using small and large animal stroke models, his team is exploring the intra-arterial delivery of stem cells in stroke therapy. The process involves placing the donor stem cell at the point of injury using a catheter. Although the stem cells don't transform into novel brain tissue, they secrete anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic molecules that help salvage the apoptotic tissue caused by the stroke and aid in the recovery process. These cells also secrete growth factors that accelerate the number of stem cells in the patient's brain that contribute to the repair. Safety and efficacy data from recent animal studies are promising, and large clinical trials will be launched soon to evaluate it in patients. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.