Trials demonstrate the safety of stem cell therapy for Parkinson

Images for representative purposes only. |Picture source: Getty Images/Istock Photos

Two independent clinical trials demonstrate the safety of stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The paper was published in naturethe use of cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and human embryonic stem cells, respectively.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of neurons that produce dopamine (neurotransmitter). Cell therapy, specific supplements of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain (dopaminergic), can provide potentially more effective treatments with fewer adverse effects.

To examine the safety and potential side effects of cell therapy on Parkinson’s disease, researchers from Kyoto University in Japan conducted a phase I/II trial. Seven patients received transplantation from human-induced pluripotent stem cells to dopaminergic progenitor cells on both sides of the brain. No serious adverse events were reported, and transplanted cells produced dopamine without overgrowth or tumor formation. The researchers also observed a decrease in motor symptoms (the second result of the study) associated with Parkinson’s disease, with four participants continuing the trial while not taking standard medications and five medications were performed while taking medication. However, these results vary according to the measures used, with some showing minimal variation.

In another Phase I clinical trial, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York explored the safety of dopaminergic neuron progenitor cell products (Bemdaneprocel) derived from human embryonic stem cells. Twelve patients underwent bemdaneprocel surgery to transplant into the putamen on both sides of the brain. Five participants received low doses and seven received high doses. During the 18 months of follow-up, no serious adverse events were associated with treatment. In the low- and high-dose cohorts, some improvement in motor function was observed by patients (secondary results of the study). However, the degree of improvement varies in different measurement parameters.