Abstract
Autologous bone marrow-derived cell therapy is being explored in clinical trial as potential treatment for ischemic or degenerative retinal conditions. The rationale for exploring this therapy is that there is preclinical evidence showing that certain stem cells in bone marrow can have a regenerative effect on ischemic or degenerating retina. Direct tissue incorporation and paracrine trophic effects of bone marrow stem cells have been demonstrated in animal models. The cells in bone marrow that have been studied include mesenchymal stem cells, mononuclear cells, and CD34+ cells. These cells can be harvested easily from bone marrow. With autologous cell therapy, no systemic immunosuppression or donor matching is needed. Early reports of phase 1 clinical trials using intravitreal autologous bone marrow CD34+ or mononuclear cells show no safety or feasibility issues associated with the cell therapy. Larger studies are needed to determine the full safety profile and therapeutic potential of these cells.
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