Premium
Will we ever use stem cells for the treatment of SUI?: ICI‐RS 2011
Author(s) -
Goldman Howard B.,
Sievert KarlDietrich,
Damaser Margot S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.22217
Subject(s) - medicine , urinary incontinence , urethra , clinical trial , mesenchymal stem cell , animal study , stem cell , urethral sphincter , narrative review , animal studies , intensive care medicine , urology , surgery , pathology , biology , genetics
Aims To review the current state of research in the use of stem cells (SCs) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and assess the likelihood of this becoming a relevant treatment option. Methods The peer‐reviewed literature consisting of relevant clinical and animal studies on the topic of SUI was surveyed and reviewed. Results Animal studies have demonstrated the potential utility of SCs in promoting functional recovery of the urethra after simulated childbirth injury. Research in animals suggests similar urethral recovery after injection of bone marrow derived mesenchymal SC secretions as after injection of the SCs themselves. Therefore, whether the improvements result from the injection of the SCs themselves or from their secretion of specific proteins is unclear. Early clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility and short‐term safety of injecting muscle‐derived SCs into the urethra to treat SUI. Conclusions Larger and longer‐term clinical trials are needed. Nonetheless, efficacious SC‐based therapy for the treatment of SUI is practical, achievable and should be available as a treatment modality in the near future. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:386–389, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.