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- Talk
- 22/09/2021
- UK
The Safe Resumption of Elective Orthopaedic Services Following the First Wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Review of 2316 Consecutive Cases and Implications for Recovery Following the Current Wave
Description
In this presentation, Andrew McCaskie provides insights into the characterization and application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in clinical settings. He highlights the advances in techniques used to differentiate various populations of MSCs, such as fluorescent antibody labeling and the identification of CD markers, which help identify subpopulations under the umbrella term MSC. McCaskie emphasizes the critical distinctions between mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, urging caution in terminology usage due to their different implications.
The discourse moves through various methods of acquiring and processing these cells, detailing approaches ranging from minimally manipulated adipose tissue transplantation to more complex, concentrated cell preparations like PRP and BMAC. He underscores the importance of clinical and translational research in establishing evidence of efficacy for MSC therapies. McCaskie presents challenges in the field, such as the necessity for robust clinical trials that can withstand scrutiny, given the heterogeneous nature of MSCs and the various treatment methodologies employed.
A discussion ensues regarding the regulatory landscape surrounding stem cell therapies, as well as the prevalent literature on MSCs in conditions such as osteoarthritis. McCaskie highlights the need for randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to navigate the complexities and claims made in current research, given that only a small fraction of research meets these rigorous standards. He concludes by calling for well-designed studies that account for the varied characteristics of MSCs and the need for mechanistic insights to enhance and validate their clinical applications.