Cell-Based Therapy for Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability and ranks third among all causes of mortality in the US. The only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke is thrombolysis; no neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapies exist. Preclinical and early clinical trials have demonstrated the proof of concept in terms of efficacy, and the early safety trials are encouraging. This chapter reviews the data supporting potential mechanisms of action of progenitor cell therapy for stroke. Importantly, the translational barriers as well as considerations on the dosing regimen(s) are outlined. Finally, the outcome of the Stem Cell Therapies as an Emerging Paradigm in Stroke (STEPS) conference are reviewed, pointing the way to new investigations/trials in stroke research using stem and progenitor cell therapeutics.