Administration of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells for Treatment of Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Proof of Concept.

Background: Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for cerebral palsy, which refers to a category of brain diseases that are associated with chronic motor disability in children. Autologous bone marrow stem cells may be a better cell source and have been studied for the treatment of cerebral palsy because of their functions in tissue repair and the regulation of immunological processes.

Methods: To assess autologous marrow stem cells as a novel treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy, a total of 10 cerebral palsy patients were enrolled in this clinical study with 24 months follow-up. A total of 10 cerebral palsy patients received autologous bone marrow cells transplantation (4.5 × 10⁸ mononuclear cells; 90% viability) into the subarachnoid cavity and rehabilitation.

Results: We recorded the gross motor function measurement scores, manual ability function measurement score, and adverse events up to 24 months post-treatment. The gross motor function measurement scores were significantly higher at month 6 post-treatment compared with the baseline scores and were stable up to 24 months follow-up. The increase in manual ability and communication function measurement scores at 6 months were not significant when compared to the baseline score. All the 10 patients survived and none of the patients experienced any serious adverse events or complications.

Conclusion: Our results indicated that bone marrow derived MNCs are safe and effective for the treatment of motor deficits related to cerebral palsy. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish the efficacy of this procedure.