Meta-Analyses of Human Cell-Based Cardiac Regeneration Therapies: Controversies in Meta-Analyses Results on Cardiac Cell-Based Regenerative Studies

Circ Res. 2016 Apr 15;118(8):1254-63. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.307347.

Abstract

In contrast to multiple publication-based meta-analyses involving clinical cardiac regeneration therapy in patients with recent myocardial infarction, a recently published meta-analysis based on individual patient data reported no effect of cell therapy on left ventricular function or clinical outcome. A comprehensive review of the data collection, statistics, and the overall principles of meta-analyses provides further clarification and explanation for this controversy. The advantages and pitfalls of different types of meta-analyses are reviewed here. Each meta-analysis approach has a place when pivotal clinical trials are lacking and sheds light on the magnitude of the treatment in a complex healthcare field.

Keywords: heart failure; meta-analysis; myocardial infarction; outcome measures; stem cells.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods*
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / mortality
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / trends
  • Humans
  • Mortality / trends
  • Myocardial Ischemia / mortality
  • Myocardial Ischemia / therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / mortality
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / trends
  • Ventricular Function, Left / physiology