Still 'dwelling in the possibility' - critical update on stem cell therapy for acute on chronic liver failure

Abstract

Stem cells therapy could improve survival in patients with liver failure. Studies on stem cell therapy and related growth factors in decompensated cirrhosis has been on the forefront but has shown heterogenous results. Recent high-quality studies have shown a lack of efficacy and safety. Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are a unique group with high mortality in the short-term associated with rapid onset extrahepatic organ failures. In these patients, there is an urgent need to identify treatments that can improve liver cell function and mass, prevent sepsis/organ failure, ameliorate systemic inflammation, and increase transplant-free survival. Stem cells are a novel treatment in ACLF but with unclear efficacy and safety. In this narrative review, we discuss the basics of liver regeneration in patients with ACLF and update current clinical status of stem cell use in patients with ACLF for improving our understanding of future directions.

Keywords: Liver failure; Mesenchymal stem cells; Portal hypertension; Regenerative therapy; Sepsis.