Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a major unmet medical need associated with an inevitable progressive muscle damage and loss of function. Currently, treatment is only symptomatic and supportive. This chapter focuses on cell therapy as a potential treatment approach for muscular dystrophy. Mechanism of action of cell therapy and its ability to alter disease pathology have been discussed. A review of preclinical and clinical studies has been presented with the advantages and shortcomings of various cell types. Rationale for our treatment protocol and experience of treating muscular dystrophy patients has been discussed. Our published results have shown the efficacy of the intrathecal and intramuscular administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in different types of muscular dystrophy patients. The scores on outcome measures such as 6-minute walk distance, North star ambulatory assessment, Brooke and Vignose scale, Functional independence measure, and manual muscle testing either improved or were maintained suggestive of slowing down disease progression. Efficacy and safety of the treatment was also studied using comparative MRI-MSK and EMG showing decreased fatty infiltration in various muscles post-cellular therapy. Thus, it was found that autologous BMMNC transplantation is a safe and effective treatment option and improves the quality of life of MD patients.