Ophthalmology Commons^™

Cell-Based Therapies For Retinal Diseases: A Review Of Clinical Trials And Direct To Consumer "Cell Therapy" Clinics, John Hinkle, Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh, Ajay E. Kuriyan

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Background: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is implicated in the pathophysiology of many retinal degenerative diseases. This cell layer is also an ideal target for cell-based therapies. Several early phase clinical trials evaluating cell therapy approaches for diseases involving the RPE, such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's macular dystrophy have been published. However, there have also been numerous reports of complications from unproven "cell therapy" treatments marketed by "cell therapy" clinics. This review aims to outline the particular approaches in the different published clinical trials for cell-based therapies for retinal diseases. Additionally, the controversies surrounding experimental treatments offered outside …