Retinitis pigmentosa also known as RP is an inherited disease that affects the retina and causes gradual and permanent loss of vision. In Oman where advancement in the delivery of health care services is gradually improving, stem cell therapy has been realized as a potential way of treating Retinitis Pigmentosa in Oman. Deciding between stem cell treatment is not easy. Thus, it is important to understand the distinctions of the available therapies, and how to properly choose a therapy.
Stem cells and how they are useful to treat Retinitis Pigmentosa
STEM cells are biological cells that have the capability of self-renewal and have diversified characteristics that can hamper the development of other biological structures profoundly. In this case, Retinitis Pigmentosa is well understood when Stem Cell Therapy is applied.
Stem cell also has the objective of creating new tissue in the retina and correcting the existing genetic abnormalities in RP. This approach is associated with different types of stem cells.
Kinds of Stem Cells That Are Used in RP Therapy
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): ESCs are multipotent and can therefore be converted into any cell of the body including the retinal cells. AESC-based therapies aim at giving the diseased photoreceptors a natural replacement through functional retinal cells.
Adult Stem Cells: These include retinal progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells. The type of cells includes RPCs which are obtained from the retina and have the potential to differentiate into new retinal cells. A type of stem cell – MSCs which can be obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue yields neuroprotection in addition to the support of retina health via the reduction of inflammation.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): iPSCs are derived from adult somatic cells by “reverting these cells back to a more embryonic-like state”. It also enables the development of specialized cells derived from a patient’s retina, which eliminates the concern of the body rejecting it.
Evaluating Therapy Options
Stage of Disease: The stage of RP could, perhaps, determine the specifics of the stem cell therapy that will be administered to the patient. Still, the early and late stages of RP may differ when it comes to the type of therapeutic approach. For the early stages, the cell replacement therapies may be more effective, whereas the more advanced stages may need a combination of stem cell therapy with other therapies needed to control the progression of the RP and restore function.
Research and Clinical Trials: It is essential that the therapies selected have recommended evidence or proven research. Data found in research should include treatment modalities known to have effective results within healthcare facilities.
Personalization: The iPSC-based therapy is personalized and here it is possible to generate patient-specific retinal cells. This can prove useful, especially in determining genetic mutations that are likely to occur in a given individual.
Conclusion
The therapy you are thinking of taking should have undergone research, and be approved as safe to use. Discussing with the doctors at StemCellCure who deal with stem cell therapy can help identify the best practices and prevent the occurrence of adverse effects.