Published online Dec 27, 2018. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i12.907
Peer-review started: July 6, 2018
First decision: August 8, 2018
Revised: August 14, 2018
Accepted: October 8, 2018
Article in press: October 9, 2018
Published online: December 27, 2018
Processing time: 174 Days and 2.3 Hours
The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patients with cancer, liver diseases, and various types of chronic diseases. Indeed, stem cell-based therapies are effective in many diseases, and provide novel insights into the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy profiles of stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver tumors. Animal models of acute liver failure have also provided important insights into the safety, mechanisms, and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Nevertheless, excitement due to this promising field must be tempered with careful and calculated research. In particular, studies on the quality, safety, and efficacy of stem cell transplantation are needed to ensure that qualified products are tested in well-designed clinical trials and approved by governments. Therefore, further investigations are required to effectively balance the safety with the innovation of stem cell transplantation research toward the effective treatment of end-stage liver disease.
Core tip: Stem cells have the capacity for multiple rounds of self-renewal and differentiation, and play important roles in numerous biological functions. Treatment of end-stage liver disease via stem cell transplantation has emerged as an effective therapeutic alternative in clinical practice. However, caution should be paid to ensuring the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation to avoid the use of products that are not rigorously tested that may put patients at risk.