Curing spinal cord injuries: Stem cell treatments tackle severe nerve damage

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 6, 2022

Insight summary

Advancements in stem cell therapy may soon enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to regain mobility and lead more independent lives. As the therapy is poised to reshape healthcare, it brings along various implications, including the emergence of new business models, a shift in public perception, and the necessity for stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical application. While the therapy promises to unlock unprecedented avenues in medical science, it also underscores the need for inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare.

Stem cells as spinal cord injury treatment context

The Journal of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery reported in 2021 that a research team at Yale University in the US had successfully injected stem cells into patients with spinal cord injuries. The stem cells were derived from patients’ bone marrow and injected intravenously, leading to noticeable improvements in patient motor functions. Researchers recorded marked changes, such as patients being able to walk and move their hands more easily.

The treatment process took over a week, with some time necessary for a culture protocol from the patients’ bone marrow cells. Precedents for stem cell therapy already existed prior to this trial, with scientists having worked with stroke patients. Yale scientists conducted this research on patients with non-penetrating spinal cord injuries, such as minor trauma from falls or other accidents. 

In 2020, the Mayo Clinic conducted a similar clinical trial called CELLTOP, focusing on patients with severe spinal cord injuries. The trial used stem cells derived from adipose tissue, which was injected intrathecally (into the spinal canal). Phase one testing produced mixed results, with patients responding to the treatment well, moderately, or not at all. The trial also suggested that motor improvements stalled after six months of the treatment. In phase two, scientists at the Mayo Clinic were focusing on the physiology of patients who showed significant progress, hoping to replicate their improvement in other patients as well. 

Disruptive impact

The development of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries could allow injured individuals to regain mobility and reduce their reliance on assistance. This change could also shorten the treatment cycles for these patients, reducing the overall healthcare costs they incur over time. Insurance companies might respond to these developments by including access to stem cell therapies in the policies they offer, creating a more inclusive healthcare landscape for patients with spinal cord injuries.

As stem cell therapies become more prominent, they could spur further research into their application for other diseases and ailments, including various neurological conditions. This expansion could open up new avenues for treatment, offering hope and potentially more effective solutions for patients globally. However, governments and regulatory bodies may need to step in to ensure the responsible use of stem cell therapies, setting up frameworks to prevent misuse and to guarantee that treatments are safe and ethically sourced.

Companies involved in the development of these therapies may need to work closely with governments to ensure compliance with future regulations, while also engaging with the wider community to educate the public about the potential benefits and limitations of stem cell treatments. Moreover, the media can play a vital role in disseminating accurate information and fostering a well-informed discussion on the topic, helping society to navigate the complexities and potentials of this emerging field with a balanced perspective. This collaborative approach could be key in ensuring that stem cell therapies are developed responsibly and can benefit the widest range of people possible.

Implications of curing spinal cord injuries through stem cell treatments 

Wider implications of curing spinal cord injuries through stem cell treatments may include:

• A surge in public support for stem cell treatments, overcoming earlier religious and ethical objections, and fostering a society more receptive to the potential benefits of these therapies.
• Enhancing the well-being of individuals with serious spinal cord injuries, potentially allowing them a path to full recovery, which could lead to a demographic shift with increased participation of previously disabled individuals in various societal roles.
• The government crafting legislation to oversee the ethical implementation of stem cell therapies, paving the way for international agreements on the ethical use of stem cell technologies.
• A rise in funding for research initiatives that explore the application of stem cell therapies in treating other physical injuries like severe brain trauma, which could lead to the development of specialized medical facilities and create new opportunities for researchers and healthcare professionals.
• The emergence of a market for stem cell therapies, which could see the development of business models centered around personalized treatments, potentially leading to partnerships between healthcare providers and tech companies to develop apps and devices that monitor treatment progress.
• A potential increase in healthcare inequality, with initial access to stem cell treatments being available predominantly to individuals with high net wealth, which could spark social movements demanding equal access to these therapies.
• The possibility of insurance companies developing new policy structures to include stem cell treatments, which could lead to a competitive market landscape with companies vying to offer the most comprehensive coverage.
• A shift in the demographic profile of healthcare professionals, with a growing need for experts specialized in stem cell therapies, which could influence educational institutions to offer new courses and training programs.
• The potential for legal disputes arising from adverse effects or unmet expectations from stem cell treatments, which could lead to a more complex legal landscape surrounding healthcare.

Questions to consider

• Do you think stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries is an essential treatment that insurance policies and national health programs should cover? 
• When do you think stem cell therapy will become advanced enough to reverse spinal cord injuries completely?