Update on Stem Cell Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

Potential of Regenerative Medicine

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has issued a new statement warning patients about current stem cell therapy treatments. Regenerative medicine, particularly cell-based therapies like stem cell treatments, is recognized for its potential to address pulmonary fibrosis. Ongoing research continues to explore these therapies for this patient population.

Concerns About Unapproved Treatments

Despite the promise of stem cell therapies, several for-profit centers are offering unapproved treatments. These therapies lack the necessary evaluation and approval regarding their efficacy and safety, which should be conducted through rigorous clinical trials and regulatory review. Unfortunately, many patients are receiving these unproven treatments at unregulated centers, potentially putting their health at risk.

Reports of Adverse Effects

Regulatory agencies have documented reports of severe respiratory illnesses linked to the administration of unapproved stem cell treatments in pulmonary fibrosis patients at for-profit facilities. These therapies do not have the endorsement of regulatory bodies, leading to a lack of established standards for cell preparation, storage, and treatment regimens. Claims of their efficacy and safety are often exaggerated, lacking the scientific evidence necessary for support.

Current Research and Future Trials

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation acknowledges the eagerness of patients to pursue potential therapies for their condition. Research to date has indicated acceptable safety for a type of adult stem cell known as mesenchymal stem cells (also referred to as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells) in the initial phases of clinical trials involving pulmonary fibrosis patients. Future steps involve the careful organization of clinical trials to further evaluate and determine the efficacy and safety of these treatments.

Recommendations from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Medical Advisory Board of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation advises patients to exercise caution regarding unapproved stem cell therapies for pulmonary fibrosis. They recommend that patients only consider stem cell therapy as part of an approved clinical trial, where comprehensive monitoring can take place. Despite current concerns, there is optimism for the future of pulmonary fibrosis treatment as research progresses and new clinical trials are initiated.

Source Information

Written by Maggie Leung, PharmD. Reference: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. (2019, March 05). An update of stem cell/cell-based therapies for pulmonary fibrosis beyond the context of clinical trials: A word of caution by the Medical Advisory Board of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF)[Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/docs/default-source/medical-community-documents/stem-cell-statement_march2019ee6af5d09b5d6477b7e4ff000016512a.pdf?sfvrsn=8c37918d_2