IMR Press / FBL / Volume 28 / Issue 6 / DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2806123
Open Access Systematic Review
Stem Cells in Facial Regenerative Surgery: Current Clinical Applications. A Multidisciplinary, Systematic Review
Show Less
1 Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head-Neck and NeuroScience Department University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
2 Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
3 Neurosurgery Unit, Head-Neck and NeuroScience Department University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
4 Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
5 Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
*Correspondence: markzeppieri@hotmail.com (Marco Zeppieri)
Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2023, 28(6), 123; https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbl2806123
Submitted: 10 March 2023 | Revised: 11 May 2023 | Accepted: 29 May 2023 | Published: 27 June 2023
Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.
This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Abstract

Background: Facial reconstruction represents one of the main challenges for surgeons. Stem cells (SC) represent the most studied solution for tissue regeneration. This approach appears particularly promising in combination with bioengineered scaffolds and 3D bioprinting. The purpose of this systematic review is to define the main domains of current application of SC therapy within contemporary clinical workflows, evaluate indications and limitations, report current knowledge in this innovative field of research, and define the landscape of evidence for such approaches. Methods: A systematic review was performed on the pertinent literature regarding stem cell-based cell therapies currently available in the reconstruction of the face. The review used the main databases for scientific literature based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 15 papers were selected after an independent search was performed. The two major domains for current application of stem cells in clinical practice were bone and skin categories. Conclusions: Cell therapy in the field of facial reconstruction represents a promising approach. The evidence regarding the current clinical use, however, seems to show this option to be limited. Bioengineering advances and the parallel development of 3D bioprinting technology can potentially enhance the role of stem cells in the future.

Keywords
stem cells
facial reconstruction
mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)
adipose-derived stem cells (ACS)
3D bioprinting
bioengineered scaffolds
Figures
Fig. 1.
Share
Back to top