Current Controversies in Stem-Cell Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major cause of morbidity in the world and is believed to affect up to 46% of the female population Our objective was to analyze the papers that describe stem-cell treatments for UI in women. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1946 to date that reports on clinical trials that use stem cells to treat women with urinary incontinence. Results: Nine articles (7 observational and 2 randomized studies) met the inclusion criteria. No major adverse effects were observed in any of the studies. However, the efficacy results differ widely, as the methodology used for studies was very different, as described below. Conclusion: Stem-cell therapy is promising but still experimental, and further study is needed to identify certain factors. These facts include the ideal type of patient eligible for treatment (apparently those in whom intrinsic urethral dysfunction predominates), and to determine if treatment should be isolated or combined with other cells or procedures, which are the optimal doses and if it is a cost effective procedure.