"Probably within a few years, thanks to the programs of study done with adult stem cells, we will have begun to understand a little better the signals that make them grow and differentiate. We will also have developed systems to be able to induce these changes in the patient's own cells without the need to manipulate them outside the body". This was stated at the University of Navarra by Dr. Felipe Prósper. This specialist spoke on "Stem cells and cell engineering" during the summer course "The challenges of biomedical research in the 21st century. Biomechanics, bioinformatics and bioengineering".

As he explained, "there are already numerous advances in the experimental field in relation to the basic biology of adult stem cells, but not at the clinical level". He also said that, "despite the undoubted progress and the existing prospects, we are far from adult stem cell treatment being a reality in the clinical internship ". And he reiterated that "it is essential not to transmit exaggerated hopes for the sake of the patients". Therefore, "it is essential to continue working in this field, as this research will undoubtedly contribute to the development of new treatments for devastating diseases".

 

Possibilities in Parkinson's disease, diabetes or cancer

Felipe Prósper, from department of Hematology at area of Cell Therapy at the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, underlined the enormous possibilities of adult stem cells. "Two types of applications could be distinguished. Firstly, in tissue repair, i.e. regenerative cell therapy. This would be the case for Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart attacks and many other diseases." In this subject of pathologies, "the more complex the tissue to be replaced, the greater the difficulty, since it is not the same to replace a subject of cells as a complete organ made up of different cell types," he indicated.

And secondly, "as a vehicle for gene therapy. This consists of locating the defective gene in adult stem cells and, subsequently, placing the cells in the patient. This would be the case for diseases such as hemophilia or all those in which the cause of the disease is the absence of a gene". Felipe Prósper also pointed out that "adult stem cells could also be used in the treatment of cancer, although here the strategies are more complex".

On the occasion of the course at the University of Navarra, sponsored by the Regional Government, the Pamplona City Council and Caja Navarra, the expert spoke about research at the University Clinic: "Our lines of research focus on the use of adult stem cells in cardiac diseases, Parkinson's disease, corneal ocular pathology and cancer. In all of them we work from laboratory, with animal models, to clinical application".