Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine in Gastroenterology

Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine are at the forefront of innovative treatments in gastroenterology, offering promising prospects for healing damaged tissues and restoring function to various organs within the digestive system. This track will delve into the latest research and advancements in the application of stem cells for gastrointestinal diseases, including liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal cancers.

For liver diseases, stem cell-based therapies, such as hepatocyte transplantation and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have shown potential in regenerating damaged liver tissue, offering alternatives to liver transplantation. The session will highlight cutting-edge clinical trials exploring the use of stem cells in treating cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver fibrosis.

In the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), regenerative medicine approaches using intestinal stem cells aim to repair damaged intestinal lining and prevent chronic inflammation. Research on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bioengineering of the gut microbiome will also be covered, focusing on their therapeutic potential in treating IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.

The track will also examine the role of regenerative medicine in gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on tumor regeneration and personalized therapies. With an emphasis on the translation of laboratory research into clinical practice, this session will explore future directions and challenges in integrating stem cell and regenerative therapies into mainstream gastroenterological treatments.