Scoping Review of the Use of Mesenchymal Stem and Stromal Cell Products in Cats, Part 2: Current Scope and Efficacy

A scoping review of published literature found 108 articles related to mesenchymal stem or stromal cell (MSC) use in cats. Twenty-four of the publications summarized the treatment of 192 cats with MSC products for 12 naturally occurring and induced diseases. These trials used a variety of cell sources, administration routes, delivery vehicles, and dosages. The majority of studies did not have a control group. The disease with the largest number of cats administered MSCs thus far is chronic kidney disease (n = 59 cats). The majority of cats had no adverse events associated with treatment, which supports continued interest in the potential use of MSC products to address unmet medical needs. Treatment outcomes of the 192 cats have ranged from no response to long-term cure, depending on the disease being treated and the particular study. Some of these early studies show promise and provide significant information to direct both the design and focus of larger clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of MSC treatment for veterinary and human applications.