Stem-cell therapy in dermatology – Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The remarkable characteristics of stem cells (SCs), particularly their potency, capacity for self-renewal, and clonality, are well known. In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the field of cell therapy. Due to its distinctive qualities and versatility, this innovative therapy is already turning into a potentially helpful remedy for several diseases. Numerous dermatological problems, including autoimmune skin disorders, atopic dermatitis, skin aging, wound healing, scar repair, and many more, have been treated with SC-based therapies. Their application in regenerative medicine and esthetic dermatology is based on their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into distinct cell types. Given their abundance and relative simplicity of collecting adipose-derived SCs have shown to be particularly appealing in terms of appearance. SC therapy has demonstrated encouraging results in both skin regeneration and androgenetic alopecia treatment. Despite favorable preclinical evidence and clinical investigations, further randomized, controlled trials and treatment standardization are required to fully comprehend the role of SCs in the treatment of dermatological conditions, especially esthetics. The purpose of this article is to provide a general review of cell-based therapy, including its current uses, limits, and future possibilities in the field of dermatology.