Stem Cells and Regenerative Neurosurgery

Regenerative neurosurgery is a field largely in the research phase, aiming to repair or regenerate damaged nerve tissue. Stem cell therapies are at the centre of this vision.

Types of Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells: Can transform into any type of cell (pluripotent). Their use is limited due to ethical debates.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC): Obtained by reprogramming adult cells. They reduce ethical issues and can be produced from the patient's own cells.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC): Obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord. Their anti-inflammatory effects stand out.^1,2 Mesenchymal stem cells are widely used for numerous therapeutic purposes in clinical research.³

Neural Stem Cells: Can transform directly into nerve cells. Found in limited numbers in the brain and spinal cord.

Potential Applications in Neurosurgery

Supporting nerve regeneration with stem cell transplantation in the acute phase.^4,5 Most clinical trials are in Phase I-II.⁶

Parkinson's Disease: Correcting motor symptoms with dopaminergic neuron transplantation.^7,8 Promising initial results with iPSC-derived neurons were reported in a case report.^9,10

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Supporting neuroplasticity with stem cell injection into the area of ischaemic damage.^11,12

Peripheral Nerve Repair: Stem cell-supported nerve graft and bioscaffold technologies.

It is aimed to correct motor symptoms with dopaminergic neuron transplantation in Parkinson's disease.

Important Considerations

Caution should be exercised against clinics offering unapproved stem cell therapies. Applications outside of FDA/EMA-approved clinical trials can be risky. Promises of a "miracle cure" should be approached with suspicion if not supported by scientific evidence.

→ Next page: S70 — Augmented Reality (AR)