From the Guidelines
Stem cell transplant is not a recommended treatment for bladder retention at this time. While stem cell therapy shows promise in experimental settings for various urological conditions, there is insufficient clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for bladder retention issues, as noted in the guideline by the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) 1. Current standard treatments for bladder retention typically include medications like alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin), anticholinergics (oxybutynin, tolterodine), or procedures such as intermittent catheterization, depending on the underlying cause. Some key points to consider in the management of bladder retention include:
- The importance of identifying and addressing the underlying cause of bladder retention
- The use of evidence-based treatments, such as medications or procedures, tailored to the individual patient's condition
- The need for patients to consult with a urologist to determine the best course of treatment
- The experimental nature of stem cell treatments for bladder conditions at this time, which should only be considered through clinical trials with appropriate oversight and informed consent, as emphasized by the AUA/SUFU guideline 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Stem Cell Transplant and Bladder Retention
- Stem cell therapy has been explored as a potential treatment for bladder dysfunction, including bladder retention 2, 3, 4.
- The therapeutic efficacy of stem cells is thought to be derived from their ability to differentiate into various cell types, as well as their paracrine effects, which stimulate stem cells and adjacent cells 2, 4.
- Studies have used adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow stem cells, and skeletal muscle-derived stem cells for transplantation to treat bladder dysfunction, including bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor underactivity 2, 3, 4.
- While stem cell therapy shows promise, it is not yet available for clinical use, and more research is needed to understand its mechanisms of action and to develop effective treatment modalities 3.
- Current treatments for bladder dysfunction, such as muscarinic receptor antagonists, have limited efficacy and tolerability, and novel therapies, including stem cell-based therapies, are being explored 5, 6.
Types of Bladder Dysfunction
- Bladder dysfunction can manifest as overactive bladder, detrusor underactivity, and neurogenic bladder, among other conditions 5, 3, 6.
- Detrusor underactivity is characterized by a voiding contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, which can lead to urinary retention and other symptoms 5.
- Overactive bladder is a syndrome characterized by urinary urgency, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia 6.
Mechanisms of Stem Cell Therapy
- The main mechanisms of stem cells in reconstituting or restoring bladder function are migration, differentiation, and paracrine effects 2, 4.
- Paracrine effects of stem cells are thought to be more prominent due to their stimulating effects on stem cells and adjacent cells 4.
- Stem cells can promote the release of chemokines and progenitor cells necessary for tissue regeneration, making them a promising therapy for bladder dysfunction 3.