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- Talk
- 22/09/2021
- UK
Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) – Is This Correctly Recorded as a ‘Reason for Revision’ on the National Joint Registry?
Description
In this presentation, Andrew McCaskie discusses the current landscape of cell therapy treatments, particularly focusing on regenerative approaches such as stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). He emphasizes the importance of cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of these therapies as they move from laboratory research (preclinical development) to practical applications in patient care. McCaskie highlights the limitations of existing treatments, noting that no single therapy can return hyaline cartilage to its original state.
A significant portion of the talk is dedicated to defining stem cells, particularly their origins and capabilities. He explains that stem cells, particularly those from an embryo, possess remarkable pluripotency, meaning they can develop into any cell type in the human body. However, he contrasts this with induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be generated from somatic cells like skin cells, thanks to groundbreaking research that awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012.
Despite the excitement surrounding these stem cells, McCaskie notes that they are still not widely used in clinical settings. Instead, MSCs are currently the focus of clinical research, as they are more easily accessible in patients, particularly from sources like bone marrow and adipose tissue. However, McCaskie cautions against misconceptions, clarifying that while MSCs are multipotent, they do not function like classical stem cells. Their therapeutic mechanisms may involve indirect contributions through signals to other cells rather than direct transformation into tissue. This distinction has led to confusion, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the terminology surrounding these cells, as originally posited by Arnold Kaplan in a 2017 paper.
Overall, the talk illustrates the ongoing challenges and evolving understanding of cell therapy, particularly in the context of stem cells and their applications in regenerative medicine.