Neurology/Spinal cord

Stemcell therapy is used for SC (spinal cord injury) since 1990. In the current studies and reviews (1+2) the following was found:

• Stemcelltherapy is extremely safe
• No significant side effects - aven after 6 years
• Improvement of the following parameters:
  • ASIA motor scale: +2 (-2 bis +6)
  • ASIA pinprick score: +16 (-6 bis + 39)
  • ASIA light touch score: +20 (-9 bis +48)
  • Harn-Restvolumen: -33 (-90 bis +14)

A study (1) on 400 patients with SCI (spinal cord injury) over 25 years reported a positive effect in 60% of all cases treated. However, in 40% no effect is seen. This can be compared to our own results, after approximately 1000 cases of our specialists.

The positive effect can also be seen in older lesions: There is evidence, that stem cell therapy has an even better effect in subacute and chronic lesions as compared to acute spinal cord injuries (3). After the first injection the mean ASIA motor score increases (approximately 10 Punkte) - which is an increase of half to one or two segments and the residual urine volume decreases. (1+2+3) Clinically you can expect an increase of about one segment, if you are in the responder group (60%).

Incomplete SCIs have a better clinical outcome than complete SCI (3) and the results are according to our experience and according to the relevant literature better as compared to complete spinal cord injury. Transplanted stem cells (Mononuclear cells) can migrate to the location of the lesion, divide themselves, grow and start to proliferate. Their mechanism of action is direct cellular growth, action via cytokines / secretomes and they also have a „moderator function“ for injured tissue (5+7). Scarring an fibrous tissue can deteriorate the results.

In a review from Harvard / USA in the year 2018 stem cell therapy from bone marrow derived cells is a promising option: Stem cells can differentiate into nerve cells and reduce inflammation. The therapy is safe and secure (6). Their mechanism of action is direct cellular growth, action via cytokines / secretomes and they also have a „moderator function“ for injured tissue - these factors can be analyzed up to 2 years after therapy (7). A review (4) stated, that the possible side-effects regarding tumor-like growth only affected INDUCED cells, these are cells, that were substancially manipulated in a laboratory before they were implanted. This manipulation of cells is prohibited by several EU regulations and we as IRM therefore do not use significant manipulation of cells.

The repetition of a stem cell therapy (e.g. every 3 months) leads to an increased outcome, as published (1). The effect can be proven regardless of the height of the lesion, however, still there is no general recommandation concerning the number of repetitions.

The residual urine volume can be influenced positively (reduced) with stem cell therapy and this is protective for urine tract infections. These infections are a major risk for patients with SCI since they contribute to the major causes of death in these patients.