Autologous Cord Blood Stem Cells for Autism

  • Researchers from Sutter Health have released results for their most recent clinical trials involving the use of stem cells in the treatment of autism. This study was completed with patients age 2-7 and involved them receiving either an infusion of umbilical cord-derived stem cells or a saline (placebo) infusion. The patients were monitored for 24 weeks, then at the end of 24 weeks, received the opposite infusion of what they received at the beginning of the trials and were then monitored for another 24 weeks. The primary outcome of this trial was to track a change in language from a baseline established before the trial began. The patients that received the treatment saw a comparable, and in some instances, smaller improvement than the patients that received the placebo treatment. The secondary outcomes were changes in behavior/learning as well as changes in knowledge/fluid reasoning. The changes in behavior/learning were comparable between the placebo and treatment groups, but the knowledge/fluid reasoning changes were noticeably larger for the treatment group as compared to the placebo group. The researchers also hoped to investigate any adverse effects related to treatment with stem cells and promisingly reported no mortalities or serious adverse effects beyond normal ailments such as fever and seasonal colds.
  • https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT01638819?term=Stem+Cells&cond=Autism&cntry=US&draw=2&rank=1

 

hCT-MSC in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (IMPACT)

  • Researchers from The Marcus Foundation and Duke University are looking for children ages 4-8 with Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate in new clinical trials for stem cell treatment of the disorder. Prior to treatment, the patients will take a test of social communication skill in order to establish a baseline to compare results from the end of the trial to. Treatment for this trial will involve receiving an infusion of either umbilical cord-derived stem cells or a placebo solution. 6 months after the initial treatment, the patient will receive another infusion that is the opposite of the infusion they received at the beginning of the trial. The researchers will monitor the patients for changes in socialization and communication scores from baseline as well as looking for any adverse effects of the treatment. Eligible patients must have confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism, an IQ > 70, must be able to travel to Duke 2 times in a year, and must have no other medical conditions that would interfere with treatment. For full exclusion criteria, please view criteria listed in the study details.
  • https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04089579?term=Stem+Cells&cond=Autism&cntry=US&draw=2&rank=4

 

 

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