Stem Cell Therapy: Current Applications and Potential for Urology

Curr Urol Rep. 2015 Nov;16(11):77. doi: 10.1007/s11934-015-0551-5.

Abstract

Stem cell therapy holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a number of chronic conditions. Stem cells ability to home in on injured sites of the body, stimulate angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic factors have attracted their use in the treatment of many conditions. Urology has registered one of the highest experimental successes using stem cell therapy. However, the rate of clinical applications is comparatively lower. This review takes a look at our efforts so far and what needs to be done in order to maximize the clinical benefit we can derive from stem cells.

Keywords: Bladder obstruction; Immunomodulation; Mesenchymal; Renal fibrosis; Stem cells; Urinary incontinence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Regeneration
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Stem Cells
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Urologic Diseases / pathology
  • Urologic Diseases / therapy*