Safety and efficacy of autologous vs. allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells had not yet been compared. This trial randomized 30 patients with LV dysfunction due to ischemic cardiomyopathy to receive transendocardial infusion of allogeneic vs. autologous mesenchymal stem cells. At 13 months, adverse events were 33.3% for the allogeneic group vs. 53.3% for the autologous group (p=0,46). The group treated with autologous cells improved during test process, but not the allogeneic group. Neither of the two groups improved oxygen consumption or ejection fraction.
Conclusion: this is the first trial to show a significative absence of autoimmune reaction in patients receiving allogeneic cells.
Comment: the pilot study is limited by a small sample and the absence of a control group. However, safety data regarding allogeneic cells infusion with no need of immunosuppression are encouraging.
Joshua Hare
2012-11-06
Original title: Randomized Comparison of Allogeneic vs Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (Poseidon)
