Aims: To review the current state of research in the use of stem cells (SCs) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and assess the likelihood of this becoming a relevant treatment option.
Methods: The peer-reviewed literature consisting of relevant clinical and animal studies on the topic of SUI was surveyed and reviewed.
Results: Animal studies have demonstrated the potential utility of SCs in promoting functional recovery of the urethra after simulated childbirth injury. Research in animals suggests similar urethral recovery after injection of bone marrow derived mesenchymal SC secretions as after injection of the SCs themselves. Therefore, whether the improvements result from the injection of the SCs themselves or from their secretion of specific proteins is unclear. Early clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility and short-term safety of injecting muscle-derived SCs into the urethra to treat SUI.
Conclusions: Larger and longer-term clinical trials are needed. Nonetheless, efficacious SC-based therapy for the treatment of SUI is practical, achievable and should be available as a treatment modality in the near future.
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.