Abstract
Despite 3 decades of basic and clinical studies, there is still no dopaminergic cell therapy for Parkinson's disease. Several arguments have been put forward why this approach, so far tested with transplantation of human fetal mesencephalic dopamine-rich tissue, will never be of clinical use and should be abandoned: (1) Lack of efficacy in 2 sham surgery-controlled trials; (2) occurrence of troublesome off-medication dyskinesias in a subgroup of grafted patients; (3) disease process destroys grafted neurons; and (4) non-motor symptoms will not be influenced by intrastriatal dopaminergic grafts. Here, the author argues that, based on recent scientific advancements, the development of a dopaminergic cell therapy for Parkinson's disease should continue. Factors influencing the outcome after transplantation have now been identified, and dopaminergic neurons can be generated in large numbers from stem cells. Mechanisms of graft-induced dyskinesias are much better understood, and patients with well functioning grafts can exhibit long-term motor recovery of therapeutic value even in the presence of non-motor symptoms.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
