ALS Untangled questioned the evidence behind the XCell-Center protocol
Original source
The XCell-Center (opens in a new tab)ALS Untangled reviewed the XCell-Center’s use of cell treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The reviewers said the available pilot data were flawed and could not establish benefit, and that reported improvements might reflect placebo effects. They called for peer-reviewed data, objective outcomes and a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.
Why this matters
The review did not support the protocol as an established treatment for people with ALS. It said that safety and effectiveness would need to be demonstrated with stronger evidence, including evidence that the cells survive and longer-term clinical follow-up. This review does not show that the treatment improves motor function or change treatment recommendations.
Limitations and context
This is an independent expert review published by ALS Untangled in 2010, not a new clinical trial or peer-reviewed primary research report. The source provides an opinion about pilot data presented by the XCell-Center but does not give a full study design, sample size or complete results. Its conclusions concern the evidence available at that time.