Key points about cerebral palsy and stem cell treatments
- researchers are exploring whether stem cells could help treat cerebral palsy
- stem cell treatments may have the potential to improve function
- there are different types of stem cells and treatments
- researchers are still learning how stem cells might be used safely and effectively
- a stem cell transplant is not part of standard care for cerebral palsy
- if you are thinking about stem cell treatment for your child, talk with your healthcare team
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is a cell at an early stage of development. It has the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body. These cells can form different tissues.
Stem cells can also make more of themselves by dividing.
Types of stem cells
There are 2 main types of stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells
Embryonic stem cells are in the very early embryo. They can develop into all the different tissues and organs the body needs.
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are found in the tissues of humans beyond the early embryonic stage. This includes fetuses, infants, children and adults. Their main role is to supply new cells to repair and maintain tissues. For example, stem cells in the bone marrow develop into blood cells.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a permanent physical condition that affects movement and posture. It can affect many types of movement and can also cause a range of other problems.
Cerebral Palsy-Hōkai Nukurangi In Children
Could stem cell therapy help my child with cerebral palsy?
A stem cell transplant is not part of standard care for cerebral palsy.
Researchers are developing stem cell therapies to repair or replace damaged tissues. They’re exploring how stem cell therapy might help people with cerebral palsy. Researchers are still working out the safest and most effective ways to use these treatments.
How stem cell therapy might help in the future
The aim of stem cell therapy is for stem cells to develop into the types of cells that can take over the function of damaged areas of the brain.
Researchers are still learning how well this works. Over time, it will become clearer how stem cell therapy may help tamariki with cerebral palsy.
Risks of having a stem cell transplant
If you are thinking about travelling overseas for stem cell treatment, talk with your child’s healthcare team first. Standards of health care can vary between countries. Some clinics may not follow the same safety and regulation standards as in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You should only look at having a stem cell transplant as part of a registered clinical trial.
Risk of infection or disease
There is a risk of infection from having a stem cell transplant.
It's important to know where the donor cells come from and whether they have been carefully screened. This may not always happen in unregulated or experimental treatments.
There is also a risk of bacterial infection, especially if the cells have not been stored or handled correctly.
Risk of harmful cell growth
Scientists are still learning how stem cells develop in the body.
There is a risk that stem cells may not develop into the intended type of cell. In some cases, they may form cells that are harmful.
Stem cells can multiply quickly. If they do not develop into normal, mature cells, this can cause problems. These problems can be serious, depending on where they occur in the body.
Does stem cell treatment work for cerebral palsy?
Some studies suggest that stem cell treatment may help some tamariki with cerebral palsy.
Researchers are still learning how well it works, who it may help, and how safe it is.
Ethically approved studies
There are a number of clinical studies in progress.
You should only look at having a stem cell transplant as part of a registered clinical trial.
These studies follow strict safety and ethical standards. They help researchers understand how stem cell treatments may work in cerebral palsy.
If you want to find out more about clinical trials related to cerebral palsy and stem cells, check the Canchild website.
How can I decide about stem cell treatment for my child?
A stem cell transplant is not part of standard care for cerebral palsy.
If you are thinking about stem cell treatment for your child, it's important to gather as much information as you can.
Talk with your child’s healthcare team before making any decisions.
You may find it helpful to ask the following questions:
- Where do the stem cells come from?
- Who donated them, and were they healthy?
- Is there a risk of infection or serious disease from this treatment?
- How will the treatment be given?
- What follow-up care and treatment evaluation will be provided?
- How will my child cope with this?
As well as the health risks, think about the full impact of treatment. This includes:
- the cost of treatment
- travel and time away from home
- the effect on your whānau and work
- the safety of the place where treatment is given
More information
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance provides information about research into regeneration and repair of brain injury in cerebral palsy. It explains current studies and the future potential of treatments such as stem cells.
See the position statement (PDF, 370 KB) by the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM). It provides information about the current research available for families and health professionals. It also considers the implications for families and makes some recommendations.
Acknowledgements
This content has been developed and approved by the Paediatric Neurodevelopment Clinical Network, Paediatric Society of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa.
