Autologous BMC Therapy for Heart Failure Disappoints in Phase II Trial

Transendocardial cell administration fails to improve left ventricular systolic function, maximal oxygen consumption, or defect size.

Several small studies have suggested that bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMC) therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy is safe. However, none of these studies were large enough to demonstrate efficacy.

In the randomized, controlled FOCUS-CCTRN trial, investigators studied BMC therapy in 92 patients (mean age, 63; 89% men) with ischemic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction, ≤45%). All were symptomatic (heart failure, angina, or both) and had ischemia on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and coronary artery disease that was not amenable to revascularization. Patients were assigned 2:1 to receive injections of either 100 million BMCs or placebo into LV epicardial regions identified as viable by electromech…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)