Hope or Hype? Next Biosciences examines the global perspective on the use of stem cell therapy to treat autism

The pursuit of a global standard for ASD treatment

Despite the rising prevalence and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the medical support and treatment practices for individuals affected by autism, varies widely throughout the world.

In 2018, the European Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ESCAP) identified the need to standardise a practice guidance document for ASD, and conducted a three-year review of evidence-based studies on treatment practices for autism including the existing clinical guidelines across Spain, the United Kingdom, the Unites States of America, Australia, and Scotland.¹

Misinformation vs. missing information

Patients with autism have historically been excluded from experimental research trials due to their diverse nature of symptoms and unpredictable response to intervention.¹

Thus, the availability of large-scale clinical trials on autism therapy is limited, which makes it difficult to provide the necessary evidence to support new treatments.

The option to explore experimental treatment options for autism should therefore be governed by a trusted medical opinion, promising scientific research, and the endorsement of the patient or their legal guardian in accordance with the best interests of each patient.

The potential role of stem cell therapy in autism

The use of stem cell therapy to treat autism has neither been refuted in scientific research, nor yet confirmed as a standard treatment modality.

Nevertheless, positive anecdotal evidence has been observed and shared from various treatment centres around the globe. These case studies and personal success stories support the cause for further research and provide strong motivation for stem cell storage.

There are currently a number of registered clinical trials on the use of stem cell therapy for autism across the UAE, India, Russia, Panama, Vietnam, China, and the United States.²

How does stem cell therapy work in ASD:

• Secretion of neurotrophic factors to support the growth and survival of healthy brain neurons.³
• Restoration of neural connectivity through new synapse formation.⁴
• Mitigation of hypoperfusion in autism through angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).⁴
• Suppression of pro-inflammatory processes and secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules which have a neuroprotective effect.^3,4
• Immune modulation to improve immune alterations observed is ASD.³
• Improvement in antioxidant activity through the reduction of superoxide production.⁴

While further research is necessary to establish exact treatment protocols for specific therapeutic outcomes, a 2022 systematic review of stem cell therapy in autism treatment reported statistically significant improvements in autism symptoms according to the CARS and ABC rating scales, without serious adverse effects.⁵

The way forward: Navigating autism case by case

Ultimately, the decision to participate in any treatment strategy should be examined on a case-by-case basis and patients should be informed of the experimental nature of any treatment that is not yet recognised as standard care.¹

In summary, the current approach to autism treatment is patient-specific care. The choice to explore new treatments will depend on the unique needs and lifestyle difficulties of each patient, as well as the potential benefits and risks of treatment.

However individual patient needs, lifestyle difficulties and the potential benefits and risks of treatment may also change as patients age, as will developments in autism research.

Hope prevails at Next Biosciences, where valuable umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells can be stored, at the time of your baby’s birth

While we wait for the development of a treatment consensus, Netcells offers a state-of-the-art storage facility for cord blood and cord tissue - a rich source of stem cells that can be easily and painlessly collected at birth. 

Ongoing clinical trials on ASD patients include the application of allogenic (donor) cord blood and tissue, as well as autologous (patient’s own) cord blood.

References:

1. https://www.escap.eu/uploads/Guidance%20papers/fuentes2020-article-escappracticeguidanceforautism.pdf
2. clinicaltrials.gov
3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/SCCAA.S155410#d1e271
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/12/1606
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34515938/