Stem cell preservation for regenerative therapies: ethical and governance considerations for the health care sector

Facilitating the ethical sourcing of donor hematopoietic stem cells for cell and gene therapy research and development

Aim: Unrelated stem cell donor registries (DRs) are increasingly engaging in the field of cell and gene therapy (CGT). This study aims to explore the values, concerns, needs and expectations of donors and members of the public on donating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for CGT. Methods: Seven focus groups were conducted in 2019 with members of the public, prospective donors and donors on the Anthony Nolan DR in the UK. Results: Participants expressed concerns over increased frequency of donation and incidental findings and required more information on the type of research including the purpose and possible outcomes. Conclusion: Addressing donors' concerns, needs and expectations on donating cellular materials for CGT research and development is essential to maintaining the highest standards for donor care and safety within this rapidly emerging field.

Inorganic nanoparticle-integrated mesenchymal stem cells: A potential biological agent for multifaceted applications

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies are flourishing. MSCs could be used as potential therapeutic agents for regenerative medicine due to their own repair function. Meanwhile, the natural predisposition toward inflammation or injury sites makes them promising carriers for targeted drug delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) are greatly favored for their unique properties and potential applications in biomedical fields. Current research has integrated INPs with MSCs to enhance their regenerative or antitumor functions. This model also allows the in vivo fate tracking of MSCs in multiple imaging modalities, as many INPs are also excellent contrast agents. Thus, INP-integrated MSCs would be a multifunctional biologic agent with great potential. In this review, the current roles performed by the integration of INPs with MSCs, including (i) enhancing their repair and regeneration capacity via the improvement of migration, survival, paracrine, or differentiation properties, (ii) empowering tumor-killing ability through agent loaded or hyperthermia, and (iii) conferring traceability are summarized. An introduction of INP-integrated MSCs for simultaneous treatment and tracking is also included. The promising applications of INP-integrated MSCs in future treatments are emphasized and the challenges to their clinical translation are discussed.

Prospective donors' perspectives on hematopoietic cell donation for cell and gene therapy research and development

Aim: To explore prospective donors' attitudes and perceptions toward donating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for novel treatments research and development (R&D). Methods: A survey was launched by Anthony Nolan (AN) to assess prospective donors' willingness to donate HSCs for novel therapies R&D, and their degree of comfort with the AN collaborating with and receiving payment from external organizations. Results: Most participants (87%) were willing to donate for novel treatment R&D and were comfortable with AN collaborating with external organizations and receiving payment (91% and 80%, respectively). Conclusion: Results reveal an overall positive response toward donating HSCs for R&D. These findings can support stakeholders and policymakers in outlining donation practices that uphold donors' safety and welfare.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Derivates in Acute Diseases: Emergency in the Post-COVID-19 Times

The current coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has strongly revived the pressing need to incorporate new therapeutic alternatives to deal with medical situations that result in a dramatic breakdown in the body's normal homeostasis [...].

Regenerative medicine clinical readiness

Regenerative medicine, poised to transform 21st century healthcare, has aspired to enrich care options by bringing cures to patients in need. Science-driven responsible and regulated translation of innovative technology has enabled the launch of previously unimaginable care pathways adopted prudently for select serious diseases and disabilities. The collective resolve to advance the design, manufacture and validity of affordable regenerative solutions aims to democratize such health benefits for all. The objective of this Review is to outline the framework and prerequisites that underpin clinical readiness of regenerative care. Integrated research and development, specialized workforce education and accessible evidence-based practice implementation are at the core of realizing an equitable regenerative medicine vision.