Stem cell therapy

In recent years there has been much excitement over the possibility that stem cells could be used to repair or replace cells damaged by disease.

Although the use of stem cell therapy for MND may eventually be possible, the general perception among scientists and clinicians in the MND research community is that research in this area is not yet sufficiently well advanced. Numerous significant hurdles need to be overcome before stem cells can be considered a realistic option for treating the disease. There is no reliable evidence to support the claims made by the various clinics around the world currently offering stem cell treatments to people with MND.

The challenges

Researchers still don't understand exactly how stem cells might exert their beneficial effects in diseases such as MND.

Studies in animals that model MND have suggested that stem cell transplants are more likely to be effective in protecting existing motor neurones than in actually replacing or repairing them. This might be achieved by using stem cells to replace supporting cells, deliver nourishing substances or dampen down inflammation.

Laboratory studies have investigated various types of stem cells for treating MND, including bone marrow stem cells and nueral stem cells. It might even be necessary to use a combination of different types of stem cell therapy to treat MND.

Researchers also need to establish what the risks of treatment might be. For example, some stem cells have the potential to give rise to tumours. However, work is ongoing to learn more about different types of stem cells and how they might be used to treat neurological diseases.

You can read more about research into stem cell treatments and the challenges scientists still need to overcome in Res Inf Q - Stem cells and MND (80 kb)


Stem cells begin safety tests in people with MND

The first rigorous clinical trials to examine the safety of stem cell treatments in people with MND are just beginning in America. The 'phase 1' trials will assess safety only and do not include measures of effectiveness in treating the disease. Resullts are expected to take up to two years. More information is available from our news in research pages.

The clinical trials process is lengthy and involves several phases. Only when a treatment has successfully completed the entire clinical trials process is it considered proven. You can read more about the clinical trials process in Research Info Sheet D - Clinical trials (196 kb) .


Concerns over stem cell treatments

A number of clinics around the world are already offering stem cell treatments for people with MND. Like all non-proven treatments the Association does not endorse these stem cell treatments, which are untested in clinical trials and have no scientific rationale for their beneficial effects. Research info sheet U - Unproven Treatments (130 kb)