Nonprofit foundation Fundación MAPFRE has released promising results from a clinical trial of personalized cell therapy conducted on patients with complete and chronic spinal cord injury.
The procedure, performed by a team of neurosurgeons led by Dr Jesús Vaquero from the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda (Spain), involved implanting mesenchymal stem cells from the patient into the exact location of the spinal cord injury. Each procedure was customized to each patient.
After undergoing the procedure, all patients in the trial saw an improvement in sensitivity and spasticity (muscle stiffness). In addition, more than 80% of patients saw an improvement in their bowel and bladder control, as well as an improvement in their sexual functioning and neuropathic pain (abnormal perception of pain). Also, more than 50% of patients demonstrated improvement in their motor function recovery, according to a media release from Fundación MAPFRE.
The clinical trial is the result of over 20 years of research that has been done with the support of various organizations, such as Fundación MAPFRE and the Rafael del Pino Foundation, per the release.
Fundación MAPFRE President Antonio Huertas reiterates in the release his commitment to continue supporting “this magnificent medical research work” that “opens a door to hope for thousands of people with spinal cord injuries around the world.”
[Source(s): Fundación MAPFRE, PR Newswire]
