Stem-cell transplantation into the frontal motor cortex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

Recent Advances and the Future of Stem Cell Therapies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

“…An early study tested 3 patients using a protocol of subcutaneous G-CSF therapy and isolation of CD34+ stem cells followed by intrathecal administration of the collected stem cells and showed minimal adverse effects [66]. Alternatively, a separate group focused on CD133+ cells mobilized by G-CSF followed by direct injection of the cells into cortical motor areas of the brain utilizing a frame-based or frame-less stereotactically guided needle [68,69]. In the initial study, 10 patients were enrolled and compared with 10 control patients not accepting treatment or who applied after the study period [68].…”

“…Alternatively, a separate group focused on CD133+ cells mobilized by G-CSF followed by direct injection of the cells into cortical motor areas of the brain utilizing a frame-based or frame-less stereotactically guided needle [68,69]. In the initial study, 10 patients were enrolled and compared with 10 control patients not accepting treatment or who applied after the study period [68]. One patient died within 10 days of surgery from a myocardial infarction.…”

Increase of Pyramidal Tract Fractional Anisotropy on MRI after Stem Cell Transplantation in ALS Patients

“…Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation into the spinal cords of ALS patients has been described, and the authors reported this method as safe [41]. Recently it has also been described that CD133+ stem cells transplantation into the frontal motor cortices in ALS patients is a safe and well−tolerated procedure [43,44,47].…”

“…Therefore some researchers have attempted stem-cell-based approaches for the treatment of ALS patients. Current clinical trials are based principally on two main transplantation strategies: the systemic [39,40] and the local approaches [22,[41][42][43][44][45][46]. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation into the spinal cords of ALS patients has been described, and the authors reported this method as safe [41].…”

“…The aim of this uncontrolled, open-label non-randomized clinical trial was to assess a possible improvement of UMN status through FA changes in the PT. and (e) evidence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or structural abnormalities on MRI, as previously described [43,44].…”