The current state of stem cell therapy for ocular disease

Samantha Bobba; Nick Di Girolamo; Megan Munsie; Fred Chen; Alice Pébay; Damien Harkin; Alex W Hewitt; Michael O'Connor; Samuel McLenachan; Audra M A Shadforth; Stephanie L Watson

doi:10.1016/j.exer.2018.07.019

The current state of stem cell therapy for ocular disease

Exp Eye Res. 2018 Dec:177:65-75. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.07.019. Epub 2018 Jul 17.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, 2031, Australia. Electronic address: samantha.bobba@gmail.com.
² School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
³ Centre for Stem Cell Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
⁴ Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun Street, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
⁵ Centre for Stem Cell Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7/32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia.
⁶ School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia.
⁷ Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7/32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia.
⁸ School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Victoria Road Parramatta, New South Wales, Parramatta, 2150, Australia.
⁹ Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
¹⁰ Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, 2031, Australia; Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia; Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia. Electronic address: stephanie.watson@sydney.edu.au.

PMID: 30029023
DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.07.019

Abstract

Herein, we review the safety, efficacy, regulatory standards and ethical implications of the use of stem cells in ocular disease. A literature review was conducted, registered clinical trials reviewed, and expert opinions sought. Guidelines and codes of conduct from international societies and professional bodies were also reviewed. Collated data is presented on current progress in the field of ocular regenerative medicine, future challenges, the clinical trial process and ethical considerations in stem cell therapy. A greater understanding of the function and location of ocular stem cells has led to rapid advances in possible therapeutic applications. However, in the context of significant technical challenges and potential long-term complications, it is imperative that stem cell practices operate within formal clinical trial frameworks. While there remains broad scope for innovation, ongoing evidence-based review of potential interventions and the development of standardized protocols are necessary to ensure patient safety and best practice in ophthalmic care.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Eye Diseases / therapy*
Humans
Limbus Corneae / cytology
Patient Safety
Regenerative Medicine / methods*
Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*