干细胞走向临床：癌症、糖尿病和帕金森病的治疗方法或将问世

Core Viewpoint - Stem cell therapy is transitioning from laboratory research to clinical applications, showing potential in treating various diseases, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes [2][10]. Group 1: Parkinson's Disease Treatment - Andrew Cassy, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2010, participated in a clinical trial where embryonic stem cell-derived neurons were implanted in his brain to replace damaged dopamine-producing cells [3][4]. - The trial is part of over 100 clinical studies exploring stem cell therapy for life-threatening diseases, focusing on safety and the potential to replace or supplement damaged tissues [4][6]. - Initial results from trials using embryonic stem cells for Parkinson's treatment show promise, with some participants experiencing significant improvements without severe side effects [10][12]. Group 2: Broader Applications of Stem Cells - Stem cells are being investigated for their ability to treat various conditions, with 116 clinical trials approved or completed globally, half of which utilize human embryonic stem cells [10][19]. - Research indicates that stem cell therapy could soon become a standard part of medical treatment for certain diseases within the next five to ten years [6][10]. - Other diseases, such as epilepsy and diabetes, are also seeing advancements in stem cell applications, with trials demonstrating significant reductions in seizure frequency and improved insulin production [12][16]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite progress, challenges remain in determining suitable cell types for specific treatments and addressing the need for immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted cells [4][11]. - The brain's unique immune environment makes it a suitable target for stem cell therapy, requiring only a year of immunosuppressive treatment post-surgery, unlike other organs that may require lifelong treatment [11][18]. - Ongoing research aims to expand the types of cells available for therapy, including those addressing cognitive decline associated with Parkinson's disease [21].