Cell Therapies: Realities And Perspectives

Cell therapy involves administering live, often modified cells to a patient to promote growth, replacement, or repair of damaged tissue. The document reviews current cell therapies, including standard treatments and those in clinical and preclinical trials. Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are a key focus, with approximately 90,000 performed annually worldwide. Cord blood is increasingly used as a source for HSCT, showing improved outcomes, particularly in children with acute myeloid leukemia. HSCT is also becoming a standard treatment for certain autoimmune diseases. The number of clinical trials using mesenchymal stem cells for anti-inflammatory and regenerative therapies is rising. Additionally, genetically modified cells like CAR-T and NK/NKT cells are gaining importance in cancer therapy, alongside advancements in tissue engineering.