Clinical Trials Targeting Secondary Damage after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes loss of sensory and motor function resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life for patients. Currently, no therapies are available that can repair spinal cord tissue. After the primary SCI, an acute inflammatory response induces further tissue damage in a process known as secondary injury. Targeting secondary injury to prevent additional tissue damage during the acute and subacute phases of SCI represents a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review clinical trials of neuroprotective therapeutics expected to mitigate secondary injury, focusing primarily on those in the last decade. The strategies discussed are broadly categorized as acute-phase procedural/surgical interventions, systemically delivered pharmacological agents, and cell-based therapies. In addition, we summarize the potential for combinatorial therapies and considerations.

Automated summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to loss of sensory and motor function, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. There are currently no available therapies for repairing spinal cord tissue. This review focuses on clinical trials of neuroprotective therapeutics that aim to mitigate secondary injury during the acute and subacute phases of SCI, including surgical interventions, pharmacological agents, and cell-based therapies. Combinatorial therapies and relevant considerations are also summarized.