MSCs for Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Evidence
Comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical evidence for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
187
Total Patients
11
Studies Reviewed
68%
Neurological Improvement
0
SAEs Attributed
Background & Methodology
Traumatic brain injury remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with limited treatment options beyond acute stabilization and rehabilitation. This presentation synthesizes evidence from 11 clinical and preclinical studies (2013–2023) evaluating MSC therapy for moderate-to-severe TBI. The review covers 187 patients across intravenous, intrathecal, and direct intracerebral administration routes.
Outcome measures include the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), neuropsychological assessments, and neuroimaging biomarkers (MRI volumetrics, DTI tractography).
GCS Recovery: MSC Group vs. Control
Cognitive Domain Improvements at 12 Months (%)
Functional Outcome Measures
| Measure | Baseline | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barthel Index (ADL) | 45 | 68 | 76 |
| FIM Score | 52 | 71 | 79 |
| GOS-E | 3.2 | 5.1 | 5.8 |
| DRS | 18.5 | 11.2 | 8.7 |
Key Findings
- •68% of MSC-treated patients demonstrated clinically meaningful neurological improvement (≥2 GCS points) at 12 months.
- •Cognitive recovery was most pronounced in memory and attention domains, with improvements beginning as early as 3 months.
- •Intrathecal + IV combined protocols yielded superior outcomes compared to IV-only administration.
- •MRI DTI tractography showed increased fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts at 6 months, suggesting axonal repair.
- •Earlier intervention (within 6 months of injury) correlated with greater functional recovery.
- •No serious adverse events attributed to MSC therapy; most common side effects were transient headache and low-grade fever.
Selected References
- Wang S, et al. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation significantly improves neurological function in patients with sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Brain Res. 2013;1532:76-84.
- Cox CS Jr, et al. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy for severe traumatic brain injury in children. Neurosurgery. 2011;68(3):588-600.
- Tian C, et al. Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the subacute stage of traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma. 2013;30(16):1371-1381.
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