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Limbal stem cell transplantation shows high rate of success over long term
 Paolo Rama |
VIENNA, Austria — Long-term results of limbal stem cell transplantation show a high rate of success, opening the future of stem cell-based therapy in a number of different disease areas.
"Our 10-year results in 113 eyes of 112 patients showed a 76.6% success rate," Paolo Rama, MD, said at the EuCornea meeting here preceding the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.
Autologous limbal stem cells are obtained from a biopsy specimen taken from the patient's contralateral eye. The cells are then cultured and transferred on a fibrin disc, ready to be implanted.
"Our experience demonstrates that stem cells can be isolated, expanded in culture and transplanted, and that this method is safe, reproducible and stable," Dr. Rama said.
Other methods of repairing corneal damage, such as the more widely used autologous limbal transplant, are cheaper and equally effective, he noted. However, the long research work that led to a successful method of transplanting cultured limbal stem cells has opened a new pathway toward multiple future applications.
"Our method could become the gold standard of stem cell-based treatments, not just for the eye but for multiple indications," he said. "Future possibilities include cultivation and storage of stem cells for civilians or military personnel at risk of severe wounds, gene therapy, genetic masking of allografts to increase immunotolerance and several other applications."
- Disclosure: Dr. Rama has no relevant financial disclosures.