Published online Nov 26, 2016. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i11.376
Peer-review started: June 14, 2016
First decision: July 11, 2016
Revised: July 23, 2016
Accepted: September 13, 2016
Article in press: September 18, 2016
Published online: November 26, 2016
Retinal and optic nerve diseases are degenerative ocular pathologies which lead to irreversible visual loss. Since the advanced therapies availability, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach. Advances in the knowledge of neuroprotection, immunomodulation and regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been obtained by several preclinical studies of various neurodegenerative diseases. It has provided the opportunity to perform the translation of this knowledge to prospective treatment approaches for clinical practice. Since 2008, several first steps projecting new treatment approaches, have been taken regarding the use of cell therapy in patients with neurodegenerative pathologies of optic nerve and retina. Most of the clinical trials using MSCs are in I/II phase, recruiting patients or ongoing, and they have as main objective the safety assessment of MSCs using various routes of administration. However, it is important to recognize that, there is still a long way to go to reach clinical trials phase III-IV. Hence, it is necessary to continue preclinical and clinical studies to improve this new therapeutic tool. This paper reviews the latest progress of MSCs in human clinical trials for retinal and optic nerve diseases.
Core tip: Advances in the knowledge of neuroprotection, immunomodulation and regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are contributed by several preclinical studies of various neurodegenerative diseases. It has provided opportunity to perform the translation of treatment approach to the clinical practice. Several clinical trials in patients with retinal and optic nerve diseases have been developed since 2008. Most of them using MSCs are in I/II phase. However, there is still a long way to go to reach clinical trials Phase III-IV. Hence, it is necessary to continue with preclinical and clinical studies to improve this new therapeutic tool.