Stem cell transplantation for treating Gaucher disease

Somaraju UR, Tadepalli K

Published Online:

July 7, 2010

Gaucher disease is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. This leads to storage of complex lipids in some types of blood cells. Due to these abnormal cells people with Gaucher disease will have pain, fatigue, anemia, jaundice and bone damage. Some forms of Gaucher disease may also cause neurological disorder. The treatment of Gaucher disease at present is mainly by enzyme replacement therapy which is expensive. In some severe cases stem cell transplantation is used to treat people with Gaucher disease. This is a high risk procedure some times leading to death of the individual. We have not found any trials to show the effectiveness and the risks of the procedure in people with Gaucher disease.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Gaucher disease is the most common lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Current treatment of the disease involves a choice among enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy and stem cell transplantation. Stem cell transplantation is a high risk procedure with possible long-term benefits in the regression of skeletal and neurological changes in people with Gaucher disease.

Objectives:

To determine the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in people with Gaucher disease in relation to: mortality risk associated with the procedure; efficacy in modifying the course of the disease; and arrest or regression of neurological manifestations in neuropathic forms (Types 2 and 3).

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Inborn Errors of Metabolism Trials Register which comprises of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.

Date of the most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 13 April 2010.

We also searched the websites www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.genzymeclinicalresearch.com. Date of most recent search of these sites: 29 April 2010.

Selection criteria:

All randomised, quasi-randomised and controlled clinical trials comparing stem cell transplantation with enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy, symptomatic treatment or no treatment in people with Gaucher disease of all ages.

Data collection and analysis:

We independently assessed trials for inclusion, however, no relevant trials were identified.

Main results:

Twelve trials were identified by the searches, however, these were not suitable for inclusion in the review.

Authors' conclusions:

Stem cell transplantation is a form of treatment that offers the potential of permanent cure. However, there are no clinical trials that have assessed the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation in comparison to other conservative measures (enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy) now in use.

This record should be cited as:

Somaraju UR, Tadepalli K. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Gaucher disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006974. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006974.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

June 4, 2010

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Primary Review Group:

Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group

Health topics:

Blood disorders > Genetic disorders > Inborn errors of metabolism

Genetic disorders > Inborn errors of metabolism > Gaucher disease

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Stem cell transplantation for treating Gaucher disease

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