Targeted therapy for stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review based on clinical trials

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Controversy exists regarding the therapeutic benefit of cell-based therapy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Areas covered: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence regarding the therapeutic effect and safety of cell-based therapy in the treatment of SUI and to propose a new approach to SUI treatment utilizing tissue engineering methodologies. We have thoroughly reviewed the literature using PubMed in order to identify only original, clinical studies involving cell therapy for SUI.

Expert opinion: Cell-based therapy, as practiced today, is a safe but ineffective method for SUI treatment. The key to an optimal therapeutic outcome in SUI is accurate diagnosis combined with targeted therapy. Targeted therapy in SUI should be based on cell implantation to restore and regenerate the damaged urethral sphincter and/or the construction of a neo-pubourethral ligament utilizing tissue engineering methodologies.

KEYWORDS:

• Cell therapy
• stem cells
• stress urinary incontinence
• tissue-engineered slings
• tissue engineering

Article highlights

• The limited efficiency and side effects of standard therapies of SUI encourage the search for a new, effective, and minimally invasive method of treatment.

• Cell-based therapy as practiced today is a safe but ineffective method of SUI treatment.

• The key to an optimal therapeutic outcome in SUI is accurate diagnosis combined with targeted therapy.

• Targeted therapy in SUI should be based on cell implantation to restore and regenerate the damaged urethral sphincter and/ or the construction of a neo-PUL utilizing tissue engineering methodologies.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.