Adult stem cells: Early clinical trials and perspective

Cardiac repair with cell-based therapy is a promising treatment for patients with coronary heart disease. Preclinical and early clinical studies have shown that stem cell therapy is safe and effective in improving left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion. Specifically, cardiac stem cell therapy may be beneficial in reducing left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction and in improving symptoms and preventing cardiac enlargement in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. Although not well defined, multiple mechanisms, including paracrine effects, probably contribute to stem cell-mediated cardiac repair. The issues of timing, mode of delivery, and cell dose need to be systematically studied to maximize benefits. Nevertheless, rapid advancements may soon make cardiac stem cell therapy a central part of the treatment regimen for patients with coronary heart disease.