The cell-based approach in neurosurgery: ongoing trends and future perspectives

OBJECTIVE: Examination of the current trends and future perspectives of the cell-based therapies in neurosurgery. METHODS: A PubMed/MEDLINE-based systematic review has been performed combining the main Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) regarding the cell- and tissue-based therapies with the “Brain”, “Spinal Cord”, “Spine” and “Skull” MeSH terms. Only articles in English published in the last 10 years and pertinent to neurosurgery have been selected. RESULTS: A total of 1,173 relevant articles have been chosen. Somatic cells and gene-modification technologies have undergone the greatest development. Immunotherapies and gene therapies have been tested for the cure of glioblastoma, stem cells mainly for brain and spinal cord traumatic injuries. Stem cells have also found a rationale in the treatment of the cranial and spinal bony defects, and of the intervertebral disc degeneration, as well. Most of the completed or ongoing trials concerning the cell-based therapies in neurosurgery are on phase 2. Future perspectives involve the need to overcome issues related to immunogenicity, oncogenicity and routes for administration. Refinement and improvement of vector design and delivery are required within the gene therapies. CONCLUSION: The last decade has been characterised by a progressive evolution of neurosurgery from a purely mechanical phase to a new biological one. This trend has followed the rapid and parallel development of translational medicine and nanotechnologies. The introduction of new technologies, the optimisation of the already existing ones, and the reduction of costs are among the main challenges of the foreseeable future.