Routes of Stem Cell Administration

Stem cells are very promising for the treatment 11 of a plethora of human diseases. Numerous 12 clinical studies have been conducted to assess 13 the safety and efficacy of various stem cell 14 types. Factors that ensure successful therapeu- 15 tic outcomes in patients are cell-based 16 parameters such as source, viability, and num- 17 ber, as well as frequency and timing of inter- 18 vention and disease stage. Stem cell 19 administration routes should be appropriately 20 chosen as these can affect homing and engraft- 21 ment of the cells and hence reduce therapeutic 22 effects, or compromise safety, resulting in serious adverse events. In this chapter, we 23 will describe the use of stem cells in organ 24 repair and regeneration, in particular, the liver 25 and the available routes of cell delivery in the 26 clinic for end-stage liver diseases. Factors 27 affecting homing and engraftment of stem 28 cells for each administration route will be 29 discussed.