Cell therapy against central nervous disorders – Current and future perspectives –

Abstract

Stem cell therapy for central nervous system disorders have launched from basic research to the clinical trial phase. Many clinical trials are currently executed in Japan including ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkingson's disease, and spinal cord injury. The preliminary data from these trials are promising and there is a strong expectation both from the medical and patient point of view. However, there are still so many unsolved questions which require further experimental procedures. The questions include cell types, transplantation route, transplantation timing and cell dosages. This article will highlight the basic knowledge of stem cell and the preliminary result of clinical trials launched in Japan.