Abstract
Summary
This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods,
which have already started to play an important role in the practice of
medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old
fashioned bone marrow transplants. Role of cells in drug discovery is also
described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice.
Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the
current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with
adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood
and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be
genetically modified prior to transplantation.
Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines,
drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical
applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also
described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture,
encapsulation and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of
cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. Methods of
delivery of cell therapy range from injections to surgical implantation using
special devices.
Cell therapy has applications in a large number of disorders. The most
important are diseases of the nervous system and cancer which are the topics
for separate chapters. Other applications include cardiac disorders
(myocardial infarction and heart failure), diabetes mellitus, diseases of
bones and joints, genetic disorders, and wounds of the skin and soft tissues.
Regulatory and ethical issues involving cell therapy are important and are
discussed. Current political debate on the use of stem cells from embryonic
sources (hESCs) is also presented. Safety is an essential consideration of any
new therapy and regulations for cell therapy are those for biological
preparations.
The cell-based markets was analyzed for 2008, and projected to 2018.The
markets are analyzed according to therapeutic categories, technologies and
geographical areas. The largest expansion will be in diseases of the central
nervous system, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Skin and soft tissue
repair as well as diabetes mellitus will be other major markets.
The number of companies involved in cell therapy has increased remarkably
during the past few years. More than 500 companies have been identified to be
involved in cell therapy and 256 of these are profiled in part II of the
report along with tabulation of 241 alliances. Of these companies, 138 are
involved in stem cells. Profiles of 62 academic institutions in the US
involved in cell therapy are also included in part II along with their
commercial collaborations. The text is supplemented with 44 Tables and 11
Figures. The bibliography contains 750 selected references, which are cited in
the text.
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