Stem cells as a new treatment for peripheral artery disease: Hype or hope? The point of view of a vascular surgeon
Issue title: Selected Papers from the 5th China–France International Symposium “Stem Cells: From Bench to Bedside”, 12–14 December 2013, Kunming, China
Affiliations: Pôle Vaisseaux Vascular Center, Laxou, France Louis Pasteur Clinic, Essey-lès-Nancy, France
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Bertrand Lehalle, Vascular Surgeon at Clinique Louis Pasteur, F 54270 Essey-lès-Nancy, France. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Because many of patients with peripheral arterial disease are not eligible for direct or conventional revascularization procedures, because stem cell therapy is being investigated as to its possible role in the treatment of limb ischemia, there is a need to evaluate this treatment and his true application. On the basis of experimental data, preliminary clinical studies have established the safety and feasibility of stem cells implantation in case of critical limb ischemia. Forthcoming large studies, especially randomized placebo controlled double blind studies, related to the optimal cell type, dosage, administration route, will consolidate this evidence and establish mid and long term effectiveness.
