World first stem cell treatment

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A world first treatment to minimise the effects of stroke has been developed by researchers from Monash University and Monash Health (Professor Thanh Phan, Associate Professor Henry Ma and Professor Euan Wallace), Hudson Institute of Medical Research (Associate Professor Rebecca Lim), and La Trobe University (Professor Chris Sobey).

The phase 1 trial, led by Associate Professor Henry Ma, Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at Monash University and Director of Neurology at Monash Health, uses amniotic stem cells from donated placentas (following caesarean section) which are infused into the stroke patient, stopping the attack on the brain cells and bringing them back to life.

One in four people will experience stroke in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. This new therapy will be a game changer in minimising the effect of stroke. Treatment must be administered within 24 hours of onset – a critical window for many patients.

Current treatment for stroke patients involves reperfusion therapy to remove the clot. This new treatment is being tested in patients who are not eligible for clot retrieval. It modulates the immune system to reduce the effect of inflammation on the brain.

Associate Professor Ma says:

“What is remarkable about this new treatment is that stem cells from the placenta do not require any cross matching, so there is no risk of rejection to the patient”.

While treatment is still in trial, it is hoped that many more patients will benefit from this ground-breaking research. Ultimately, Associate Professor Ma and his team would like to see the therapy available in ambulances and administered to patients by paramedics responding to stroke cases.