"A trial in the US found that applying stem cells from the mother's placenta to her baby's spine while it was being repaired was safe and improved the child's mobility and quality of life. Dr Diana Farmer, who led the study, said it was conceivable that the experimental therapy could become the usual way that spina bifida is treated before babies are born."
"Surgeons at the Davis school of medicine at the University of California applied placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells on to the exposed spinal cord of the babies, who were at 24 to 25 weeks of gestation at the time. MRI scans after their birth confirmed that hindbrain herniation was reversed in all six. The stem cells did not cause tumours, interfere with the wound healing or prevent hindbrain herniation being reversed."
"The advances in stem cell science that have enabled this first-in-human trial to be possible are remarkable and we are delighted that the safety of the procedure has been demonstrated. Having seen the difference foetal surgical repair is already making to the lives of children with myelomeningocele, and knowing that adding stem cell therapy to these established treatments shows great promise."
A clinical trial demonstrated that applying placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells to exposed spinal cords during fetal surgery for myelomeningocele is safe and effective. Six unborn babies at 24-25 weeks gestation received the treatment at UC Davis. Post-birth MRI scans confirmed hindbrain herniation reversal in all cases, with no tumors, wound healing complications, or other adverse effects. The stem cells did not interfere with the natural reversal of brain abnormalities. Researchers believe this combined approach could become standard spina bifida treatment if it enables more children to walk independently. The results suggest potential for treating other birth defects through similar stem cell interventions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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