Combination Stem Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Leg Ischemia

Overview

The purpose of this research study is to determine if the transplant of a combination of stem cells obtained from the bone marrow of the same patient will contribute to the formation of new blood vessels in the severely diseased ischemic limb (leg). In this study the safe use of this combination of stem cells and its effects on making new blood vessels will be evaluated. Limb Ischemia (LI) is a severe obstruction of the arteries which seriously decreases blood flow to the extremities (mainly feet and legs) and has progressed to the point of severe pain and even skin ulcers or sores. LI needs comprehensive treatment since the condition will not improve on its own. The overall goal of treatment is to reduce the pain and increase blood flow to improve symptoms or save the leg or feet. In many cases, current options for treatment including medications, surgery or endovascular procedures have not been successful. In the last few years, investigators have explored therapies aimed to increase blood flow to the ischemic vessels by transplanting cells that will promote the development of new vessels in the diseased leg. The study hypothesis is based on the concept that the process of formation of new blood vessels is complex and requires the participation of several types of stem cells and growth factors. The lack of any of these components will produce vessels which are immature and unable to provide appropriate blood supply to the leg. Patients eligible to participate in this study are those suffering from poor circulation or severe leg blockages, which are not candidates for surgical procedures. Once the mixture of stem cells is prepared and the patient's bone marrow is ready, cells will be transplanted into the calf muscle of the diseased leg. Clinical studies to evaluate if the transplant works and is safe will be performed up to 1 year after cell transplant.