Stem cell therapy represents the most groundbreaking frontier in modern medicine, offering potential treatments for diseases that were previously considered untreatable.
However, stem cell therapy is relatively new, and different clinical trials and research studies are in progress to understand the effect and behavior of stem cells to treat a particular disease or syndrome.
Researchers also use stem cells to study how a disease progresses, which gives them a better understanding of how certain conditions develop. The team also researches to advance the knowledge of stem cells and their role in regenerative medicine.
Understanding Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a pioneering approach in the domain of regenerative medicine. It leverages the unique ability of stem cells to repair and rebuild diverse tissues in the body. Such a regeneration process occurs through immune regulation and inflammation reduction.
Stem cells can be described as raw materials from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. The source of stem cells can vary; they can be extracted from a baby’s umbilical cord, a small number are present in adult tissue cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells are adult stem cells reprogrammed into stem cells.
Ongoing Research Studies and Clinical Trials Related to Stem Cell Therapy
Here are some ongoing research studies and clinical trials related to stem cell therapy:
Anastomotic Stenosis is a condition that usually happens after the surgery where anastomosis was created which leads to problems like reduced blood flow or obstruction. It depends on where the narrowing has happened.
The study is currently in the early phase (Phase I and II), where researchers are assessing the safe use of allogeneic-adipose mesenchymal stem cells (healthy stem cells from a donor) during hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula and arterial bypass creation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of improving access maturation and primary anastomotic patency.
The stem cells have regeneration properties, and hence, they can prevent stenosis by promoting healthy vascular tissue and reducing scarring.
Arteriovenous Fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, to provide an easily accessible point of hemodialysis. The failure can happen due to several reasons (venous or arterial stenosis, thrombosis, infection, and inadequate maturation).
The study is also currently in the early phases, where researchers are determining the success of MSCs, which are developed from a patient’s own fat tissue to reduce the chances of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Failure when the stem cells are applied during the surgical creation.
3. Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Stem Cell Coated Fistula Plug in Patients With Crohn’s RVF
Rectovaginal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease is a severe type of Crohn’s Disease occurrence where a fistula (an abnormal passageway) forms between the rectum and vagina, creating a direct connection between the two structures.
The study, which is in the early phase, aims to assess the effectiveness of autologous stem cell-coated fistula plugs in treating Rectovaginal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease. A fistula plug is used to physically block and fill the fistula tract to seal the abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina. The coat of stem cells will promote tissue repair and cell regeneration in the fistula tract.
Importance of Research Studies and Clinical Trials in Stem Cell Therapy
Research studies and clinical trials are the cornerstones of medical advancements, providing a structured pathway for a smooth transition from laboratory research to better patient care. In the context of stem cell therapy, they serve the following critical functions.
- Safety Evaluation
Any new medical treatment’s primary concern is its safety for humans. Through controlled and phased studies, researchers can identify potential adverse reactions and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Efficacy Assessment
Apart from safety, research studies evaluate how well stem cell therapy works to treat specific conditions.
- Optimization of Protocols
Clinical trials help in refining the methodologies of stem cell therapy, including the process of selecting the source of stem cells, the preparation and delivery methods, and the timing and dosage of the specific treatment.
- Regulatory Approval
The data collected from clinical trials and research studies will be the foundation for regulatory approval by the respective authorities, like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), before making it available for public use.
The Bottom Line,
With the scores of current research studies coupled with the promising future, cord blood banking has become an inevitable investment for your family’s future. Cryoviva offers advanced facilities and the latest technologies to help you bank your little one’s umbilical cord blood. Not only does it help promise a brighter future for your family to fight severe diseases, but it gives a peace of mind that you have an option to give a shot to save the lives of your loved ones. Contact them today to learn more about the cord blood banking plans if you are in your third trimester.
