A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil, in collaboration with colleagues in Germany and the United States, has found that the use of cell therapy to treat Covid-19 patients can reduce the risk of death from the disease by 60%. The study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, reviewed 195 clinical trials and 26 trials with outcomes published until July 2022.
Cell therapy, which has seen significant advancements in recent years, involves using stem cells and their derivatives to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart diseases, and infectious diseases. During the Covid-19 pandemic, cell therapy has been used in various clinical trials to treat patients infected with the virus.
The technique of cell therapy can involve using stem cells and derivatives sourced from the patient (autologous) or from a donor (allogenic). These cells are then cultured or modified in the laboratory before being administered to the patient.
The most frequently used cell type in the clinical trials related to the treatment of Covid-19 was multipotent mesenchymal stem cells derived from connective tissue. The systematic review and meta-analysis of the data collected from the trials showed a significant reduction in the risk of death among Covid-19 patients who received cell therapy.
The researchers emphasized that while cell therapy shows promise in treating Covid-19 and its complications, it is essential to highlight the importance of vaccination in ensuring real protection against the virus.
Source:
– IANS
Definitions:
– Cell therapy: A medical treatment that involves using cells, usually stem cells, to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues.
– Stem cells: Cells that have the potential to differentiate into different types of cells in the body.
– Autologous: Stem cells or other cells derived from the patient’s own body.
– Allogenic: Stem cells or other cells sourced from a donor.
