Current state and perspectives of stem cell therapy for stroke

Stroke represents a public health enemy. Currently, and in spite of multiple clinical trials, thrombolysis remains as the only approved therapy. Most preclinical trials and animal trials employing stem cell-based therapies have shown very promising evidence of benefits. The aim of this review is to provide a landscape of what has been done in human clinical trials, and what are the possible ways that stem cell therapy may enhance functional recovery in stroke patients.