Safety of intrathecal transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for treating hereditary cerebellar ataxia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Intrathecal transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) has been shown to be effective for treating spinocerebellar ataxia and can improve patient's neurological function to a certain degree without safety concerns. However, further validation by randomized controlled trials is needed. The present study aims to fill this gap. Methods/Design: A single-center, parallel group, open-label, randomized controlled trial will be performed at General Hospital of Chinese Armed Police Forces, China. A total of 100 patients with hereditary cerebellar ataxia will undergo hUCMSC transplantation in the subarachnoid space through lumbar puncture (hUCMSCs transplantation group) or not (control group). The outcome observation time will be designated within 1 week before transplantation, as well as 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Primary outcomes include neurological function evaluation (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Berg Balance Assessment, Tremor Rating Scale, and the Timed Up and Go test) and blood tests. Secondary outcomes include electrophysiology examination, mental state evaluation, and urine testing. Discussion: This trial protocol is designed to provide reference data for the safety and rational use of hUCMSC transplantation in the treatment of hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01489267; registered on 30 October 2011. The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of the General Hospital of Chinese Armed Police Forces, China (approval No. 201117).