Stem Cell Therapies for Chronic Wound Management: A Comprehensive Review

 

Chronic wounds, particularly prevalent among patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, pose significant health challenges and financial burdens, with treatment costs exceeding $22 billion annually. Conventional treatment methods, including autografts and debridement, often involve painful procedures and limited efficacy. Stem cell therapies have emerged as a promising alternative, offering potential improvements in wound healing, reduced morbidity, and lower amputation rates. This review examines the therapeutic potential of various stem cell sources, including placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), Wharton's Jelly stem cells, and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Key findings demonstrate that stem cells can accelerate wound closure, enhance paracrine signaling, and promote angiogenesis, particularly in diabetic wound models. However, challenges remain, such as the variability in stem cell sources, potential immune reactions, and limitations in current clinical trials. Despite these challenges, the overall trend indicates significant potential for stem cell therapies in chronic wound management. Further research, including larger, blinded, randomized controlled trials, is necessary to optimize treatment protocols and confirm the efficacy of these innovative therapies.