Whilst cord blood is in the most advanced stages of research (read more about that here), we are often asked about other cell therapies and the evidence behind them as a treatment for CP.
Research shows that MSCs may help reduce inflammation and support brain development which could be beneficial in CP. Five years ago, CPA’s collaborative CP Interventions Traffic Light Research Paper (Novak 2020) indicated the MSCs are a yellow-light intervention, meaning there is some promising evidence of MSCs improving gross motor function in CP, but more research is needed.
Now, new global research has been reviewed to assess where things stand.
The research review found:
Despite confirming safety and demonstrating promising improvements in motor function with MSC treatment, the variety of research methods as well as variability in the participants makes it hard to know who might benefit the most and how to best provide MSCs.
To move closer to MSCs becoming an approved treatment for people with CP, better-quality and more aligned research is essential. Researchers worldwide need to standardise how treatments are given and measured so we can truly understand how MSCs can help people with CP.
For more details and research insights, see the full study here.
