Serial MR spectroscopy assessment in the PISCES phase 1 clinical trial of human neural stem cell implantation in ischaemic stroke

Stroke affects 150,000 people annually in the UK. Loss of brain tissue leaves more than half of survivors with some permanent disability, but we lack treatments that can improve recovery. Stem cells are a promising means of stimulating tissue repair. The PISCES trial was a “first in man” safety study of neural stem cells in people after stroke. The study involved detailed brain scans in all participants before and after cell implantation, and this project will involve analysis of these scans to investigate whether any changes in brain chemistry are seen, and how these relate to clinical progress.