Stem cell stroke treatment trial results 'show promise'

This study looked at the safety and tolerability of a stem cell therapy called ReN001 in the treatment of ischaemic stroke, where the blood supply to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. The findings, which were reported in a press release, suggest that the nine people included in the study experienced no adverse effects and showed a modest improvement in stroke-related symptoms. However, the full findings from the PISCES trial are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Until this happens, it is worth exercising a little healthy scepticism about the claims being made. This research is still at a very early stage, and, as the professor in charge of the trial points out, the improvement in symptoms could be down to the placebo effect. It is likely that the encouraging results seen in this trial will lead to a phase II trial involving larger groups of stroke patients. This type of trial may give a better picture about whether ReN001 stem cell therapy is truly effective in the treatment of stroke. What is a stroke? A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to a loss of, or reduction in, brain function. There are two types of stroke: Ischaemic stroke accounts for about 80% of strokes. In ischaemic strokes, the blood supply to an area of the brain is cut off due to a blood clot. Haemorrhagic stroke is where there is a leakage of blood in the brain due to a blood vessel bursting. This ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Medical practice QA articles Source Type: news