Intracoronary Stem Cells: A New Hope for Heart Failure Patients?
The search for innovative treatments for heart failure (HF) has led to a groundbreaking study, but the future of stem cell therapy remains uncertain.
A recent study, PREVENT-TAHA8, has revealed promising results in reducing HF risk after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the question remains: where do stem cells fit into the equation?
On November 4, 2025, researchers published findings in the BMJ, suggesting that an intracoronary infusion of stem cells could be a game-changer for some STEMI patients. The study involved patients receiving an infusion of mesenchymal cells derived from Wharton's jelly, a stem cell-rich tissue in the umbilical cord.
Here's the exciting part: At the 3-year mark, only 5.74% of patients in the treatment group developed or were readmitted for HF, compared to 16.08% in the standard care group. This significant improvement has researchers and doctors intrigued.
Armin Attar, MD, PhD, and his team believe that these findings position mesenchymal stem cells as a potential game-changer in mitigating myocardial infarction-induced HF. They attribute the success to the anti-inflammatory properties of the stem cells, which align with the results of the DREAM-HF trial.
But here's where it gets controversial—the PREVENT-TAHA8 study also sheds light on the impact of stem cell therapy on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients in the treatment group showed a remarkable 6% greater improvement in LVEF at 6 months compared to the control group.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Jay H. Traverse shared his insights on the evolution of stem cell therapy research. He suggests that mesenchymal cells might be superior to bone marrow mononuclear cells for intracoronary therapy due to their ability to target the heart more effectively.
The study's implications are significant, but Dr. Traverse reminds us that stem cells have faced skepticism due to overpromising and underdelivering in the past. However, he believes that if larger studies confirm these findings, it could lead to a practical and accessible adjunctive treatment.
The PREVENT-TAHA8 study involved 396 patients in Iran, with most having a history of smoking, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia. The stem cell therapy group received the intracoronary procedure within 3 to 7 days of PCI, along with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The control group received GDMT alone.
And this is the part most people miss: The study showed a significantly lower incidence of HF and HF readmissions in the stem cell therapy group. Additionally, the composite endpoint of cardiovascular mortality and MI was also reduced.
Attar and his team emphasize the need for further research to optimize stem cell therapy, including identifying the best stem cell type and delivery methods. They also highlight the importance of focusing on direct clinical endpoints in future trials to ensure long-term patient benefits.
Dr. Traverse, however, expresses a more cautious outlook, stating that cell therapy may not regain its former prominence due to various challenges, including costs and the presence of alternative pharmaceutical treatments.
What do you think? Is stem cell therapy for HF a promising avenue, or should we focus on other treatments? The debate continues, and your insights are valuable in shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine.
