Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder characterized by movement disorders and postural problems caused by non-progressive brain injuries. Although there is no cure, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies offer hope for treatment options to repair the central nervous system.

Studies show that MSCs can improve the damaged environment through paracrine mechanisms. Recent clinical studies confirm the safety and potential of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

In summary, mesenchymal stem cell therapy can improve patients' functional performance, although individual responses vary. Children with high levels of disability benefit, but less than children with lower levels of disability. Younger patients respond better, but older children also show improvements.

Early intervention in high-risk children is crucial for optimal outcomes. This underlines the need to further develop MSC interventions as first-line treatment, as current standard treatments are not sufficiently effective.