Promising Treatment Breakthrough: Placental Cells Show Positive Results in COVID-19-Induced ARDS

A groundbreaking pilot study led by researchers at the University Health Network (UHN) is poised to revolutionize the treatment approach for individuals grappling with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggered by COVID-19.

ARDS, an inflammatory lung disease with a high mortality rate, can manifest in COVID-19 patients when the virus infiltrates the lower respiratory tract, causing significant damage to the lungs. In a bid to explore innovative treatment avenues, researchers turned their attention to decidual stromal cells (DSCs), specific cells derived from the placenta that have demonstrated efficacy in addressing acute inflammatory conditions.

Conducted across three hospitals in Ontario from December 2020 to June 2021, the clinical trial involved administering placental DSCs to a cohort of 19 adult patients affected by COVID-19-induced ARDS. The researchers meticulously observed and documented the patients' responses to the placental DSC treatment.

Dr. John Granton, a clinician investigator at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), reports, "We found that DSC infusions were associated with an impressive 84.2 percent survival rate, suggesting that these infusions are effective at treating."

This study not only underscores the safety of DSC therapy but also emphasizes its efficacy. The encouraging outcomes of this novel therapy offer hope to individuals across various age groups, positioning it as a potential lifeline for those confronting the complexities of respiratory complications due to severe COVID-19.

Dr. Igor Novitzky Basso, a clinician investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, advocates for further exploration, stating, "This trial supports the further evaluation of DSCs with a larger, randomized, controlled trial that will comprehensively evaluate the safety profile and efficacy of DSC in severe ARDS."

Dr. Jonas Mattsson, Director of UHN's Hans Messner Allogeneic Transplant Program and a clinician investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, expresses gratitude for the support from donors like Ajay Virmani and the Cargojet Foundation. Mattsson highlights the importance of such support in conducting innovative pilot studies that generate essential evidence for larger clinical trials.

"This study marks a critical milestone in the fight against severe COVID-19, offering a glimmer of hope for those navigating the dynamic landscape of respiratory complications," concludes Dr. Jonas Mattsson, signaling optimism in the ongoing battle against the devastating effects of COVID-19-induced ARDS.

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Source: https://www.uhn.ca/corporate/News/Pages/Placental_cells_for_COVID_recovery.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3MqB7XAfwCQsp2-j6GAULjpFjLGpLgEHnB1Ojk0SL_2zvizo5Xoo3nVjI