Stem cell treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a critical overview of early phase trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of cortical, brainstem, and spinal motor neurons; it causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, respiratory failure, and death. No currently available treatment either stops or reverses this disease. Therapeutics to slow, stop, and reverse ALS are needed. Stem cells may be a viable solution to sustain and nurture diseased motor neurons. Several early-stage clinical trials have been launched to assess the potential of stem cells for ALS treatment. Areas covered: Expert opinion:

Areas covered

This review covers the key advances from early phase clinical trials of stem cell therapy for ALS and identifies promising avenues and key challenges.

Expert opinion

Clinical trials i

SUBMITTER: Goutman SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6697143 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature