Stems Cells result in Disheartening-Study

In Science and Technology
September 5, 2015

Stem cell therapy that held promise for treating heart attack and heart failure fails to live up to its expectations. Though initial trials conducted on animals and select patients did show some positive results, a study led by AIIMS and Army (Research and Referral) Hospital on over 250 patients has concluded there is no significant benefit of injecting stem cells to improve the heart function.

Highlights

The results are disheartening but not the end of stem cell research for heart repair. On the positive side, it has given us lead that there might be some benefit on administering higher dosage of stem cells.
We plan to use next generation stem cells—ones that are cultured in lab before transplantation—for future research,” said Dr Sandeep Seth, professor of cardiology at AIIMS. He said heart, brain and kidney are the only three organs that cannot heal on its own.
Transplant is the only option at present for patients with extensive damage to these organs due to various reasons. Even little success in stem cell research can mean a lot to those who suffer from the condition,” Seth added. AIIMS started research on stem cell therapy for heart repair in year 2003 under the leadership of the then director P Venugopal.
After initial success, the research was expanded to multiple centers, including the Army Hospital, Military Hospital, CMC Vellore, SGPGI Lucknow and PGIMER Chandigarh. Total 250 patients aged between 20 and 65 years were enrolled for a study. All underwent angioplasty or bypass as required. After that, 125 patients were put on standard therapy and the rest were given additional therapy.
The dosage of stem cells was lesser than the standard dosage in 53 out of the 125 patients due to inadequate yield of stem cells in bone marrow due to age, co-morbid conditions and smoking,” said a senior doctor.
The results of the study, which has been published in Indian Journal of Medical Research states there was no significant difference in the primary outcome between patients who received stem cell therapy and those who didn’t.