Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Abstract

Title: Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to devastating neurological deficits with no effective cure. Stem cell transplantation aims to replace lost cells, create a permissive environment for regeneration, and modulate inflammation. This review assesses the safety and efficacy of various stem cell types in clinical trials for SCI. Methods: A search of ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted for all completed or ongoing clinical trials using stem cells for SCI. Data on cell type, delivery route, safety, and neurological outcomes (e.g., ASIA score improvement) were extracted. Results: Sixty-two trials were identified, most in Phase I/II. MSCs were the most commonly used cell type. Intraspinal injection was the most frequent delivery route. The overall safety profile was acceptable, with the most common adverse events being transient pain and fever. Modest improvements in motor and sensory function were reported in a subset of patients, but no trial has yet demonstrated definitive, robust efficacy. Discussion: Clinical research on stem cells for SCI is active but remains in early stages. The lack of control groups in many trials and variability in outcome measures make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The mechanism appears to be primarily neuroprotective and immunomodulatory. Conclusion: Stem cell therapy for SCI appears safe but has not yet proven clinically effective. Larger, well-controlled randomized trials are urgently needed.