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Stem Cell Application in Fistula Disease

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Anal Fistula

Abstract

Stem cells appear to be a novel tool for the regeneration and/or repair of damaged tissues like happen in fistula disease. Randomized controlled studies using stem cells to treat anal fistula has been conducted, and all of them show an excellent safety profile. Nevertheless, the real efficacy is yet hard to assess. That’s the reason why ongoing studies are now running directed to a better define of the most beneficial scenario for stem cell therapy in patients with anal fistula. In this context it is important to remark that with cell therapy, there is no injury to the anal sphincter because tract resection is not required and repeated doses can be used to increase the chance of healing. Importantly, in a clinical setting, fat appears as a great source of stem cells. From this premises, we believe that the stem cells will fulfill a clear unmet medical need and will help improve the healing and hence the quality of life of patients with anal fistula.

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Acknowledgment 

The authors thank Maria Pascual Martinez for her support during drafting of this chapter.

Disclosure UAM and Cellerix SL/Tygenix SL share patents rights in cell products. García-Olmo is a member of the scientific advisory board of Tygenix. Damian García-Olmo is inventor in two patents related to cell products entitled “Identification and isolation of multipotent cells from non-osteochondral Mesenchymal tissue” (10157355957US) and “Use of adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells in treating fistula” (US11/167061). The authors have received no payment in preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Colorectal Surgery Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain

    Damian Garcia-Olmo M.D., Ph.D. & Hector Guadalajara-Labajo M.D.

Authors
  1. Damian Garcia-Olmo M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Hector Guadalajara-Labajo M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Damian Garcia-Olmo M.D., Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Herand Abcarian

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Garcia-Olmo, D., Guadalajara-Labajo, H. (2014). Stem Cell Application in Fistula Disease. In: Abcarian, H. (eds) Anal Fistula. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9014-2_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9014-2_18

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-9013-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-9014-2

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