Feasibility of combination allogeneic stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury:
[Article]
Ichim, Thomas E; Solano, Fabio; Lara, Fabian; Paris, Eugenia; Ugalde, Federico; Rodriguez, Jorge; Minev, Boris; Bogin, Vladimir; Ramos, Famela; Woods, Erik J; Murphy, Michael P; Patel, Amit N; Harman, Robert J; Riordan, Neil H
a case report
Abstract Cellular therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) is overviewed focusing on bone marrow mononuclear cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. A case is made for the possibility of combining cell types, as well as for allogeneic use. We report the case of 29 year old male who suffered a crush fracture of the L1 vertebral body, lacking lower sensorimotor function, being a score A on the ASIA scale. Stem cell therapy comprised of intrathecal administration of allogeneic umbilical cord blood ex-vivo expanded CD34 and umbilical cord matrix MSC was performed 5 months, 8 months, and 14 months after injury. Cell administration was well tolerated with no adverse effects observed. Neuropathic pain subsided from intermittent 10/10 to once a week 3/10 VAS. Recovery of muscle, bowel and sexual function was noted, along with a decrease in ASIA score to "D". This case supports further investigation into allogeneic-based stem cell therapies for SCI.