Stem cells and stroke: are we further away than anyone is willing to admit?

Harnessing the potential of stem cells or other types of cell therapies to regenerate brain tissue lost from a stroke is a long way off, and a far more complicated process than is understood. There are critical safety issues regarding stem cells in stroke and many clinical trials have only just begun. We are at least 5-10 years away from knowing if cell therapies will improve clinical outcome in stroke patients. The use of stem cells in stroke therapy remains investigational only.