Current state of endothelial cell therapy

Abstract

Purpose of review Currently, there is heightened interest surrounding endothelial cell therapy for the treatment of corneal edema. The purpose of this review article is to describe and summarize the background information as well as the research surrounding the emerging treatment modalities for endothelial cell therapy. Recent findings Marked advancements have been made in the translational research in this area, and increasing refinements have been demonstrated in the treatment protocols for cell therapy. Human clinical trials in this field are ongoing, specifically, in the area of injected human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs), with early results showing favorable safety and efficacy profiles. Summary Efficient and effective delivery of HCECs to patients with corneal edema and dysfunction now appears feasible, and the results from ongoing human clinical trials are much anticipated. Adjunct therapeutics—in the form of pharmacological agents and/or surgical techniques, such as descemetorhexis—will likely continue to play an important role in defining the future of endothelial cell therapy.