First-in-utero stem cell treatment appears safe and may enhance spina bifida repair
TL;DR
In six pregnancies with fetal spina bifida, researchers applied donor placental stem cells during prenatal spinal repair. The phase I CuRe trial found no stem-cell-related adverse events or infections, and newborns showed signs the surgery worked (hindbrain herniation reversal) with no hydrocephalus shunts at birth; long-term benefits remain unknown, and a larger Phase I/IIa trial is underway.
Topics:healthscience#in-utero#placental-stem-cells#prenatal-surgery#science#spina-bifida#stem-cell-therapy
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- Giving stem cells in utero to babies with spina bifida boosts quality of life, trial finds The Guardian
- Stem cell patch reverses brain damage in fetuses with spina bifida New Scientist
- First-ever in-utero stem cell therapy for fetal spina bifida repair shows safe results Medical Xpress
- 'Miracle' boy expected to be paralysed due to spina bifida able to walk after ground-breaking surgery in the womb Sky News
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