A groundbreaking stem cell treatment has shown promising results for patients with spinal cord injuries, offering new hope where effective treatments have long been out of reach. Researchers at Tokyo’s Keio University revealed that two out of four patients experienced improved motor function after receiving the experimental therapy.
A Step Towards Recovery
The treatment uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)—mature cells that are reprogrammed into a youthful, adaptable state. Once converted into neural stem cells, these were carefully implanted into patients’ spinal cords to promote nerve regeneration.
According to Keio University, two patients saw their ability to move improve after the procedure. Even more encouraging, no serious side effects were reported in any of the four patients after a year of observation.
Among the success stories is an elderly man injured in an accident. Once unable to stand, he can now rise without assistance and has begun practicing walking again, as reported by public broadcaster NHK.
Why This Matters?
Spinal cord injuries has always been a significant medical challenge, and it’s cure is yet to be established. In Japan alone, more than 150,000 people live with paralysis caused by spinal trauma, and approximately 5,000 new cases emerge each and every year.
This study marks a crucial milestone in healthcare sector, providing a glimmer of hope for patients across the globe. Dr. Hideyuki Okano, the study’s lead researcher expressed his optimism on their excellent findings.
“We’ve made significant progress with the world’s first spinal cord treatment using iPS cells,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Okano added that the team is aiming towards the advancement of larger clinical trials, bringing therapy closer to public use.
The Road Ahead
The research took off to its course back in 2019 when Keio University received government approval to explore iPS cell treatments. The first patient underwent the procedure in 2022, with researchers focusing on individuals injured between 14 and 28 days before the operation.
To ensure patients safety, the team had carefully determined the number of cells implanted through extensive animal testing prior to human trials.
As the research continues, the team remains hopeful that their work will pave the way for future treatments, offering a new chapter of recovery for those living with spinal cord injuries.
