Stem cell-based treatment in geographic atrophy: promises and pitfalls

Abstract

Geographic atrophy is a common and untreatable form of advanced age-related macular degeneration. The degeneration primarily affects the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors of the retina and their restoration by cell transplantation seems attractive. Recently, a patient with geographic atrophy was the first human to receive cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. In this short review, the rationale, potential and obstacles for stem cell-derived therapy in geographic atrophy are discussed.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; embryonic stem cells; induced pluripotent stem cells; photoreceptors; retinal pigment epithelium.