Allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells did not increase the rate of cardiac recovery in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation patients, according to results from the LVAD MPC-II trial presented Nov. 11 at AHA 2018 in Chicago, IL.

Francis D. Pagani, MD, PhD, FACC, et al., looked at 159 patients with advanced heart failure undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy. Patients were randomized 2:1 to allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells or sham-control (cryoprotective media alone) injection during LVAD implantation, and were followed until cardiac transplantation or until 24 months post randomization.

The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical functional status, defined by the number of successful temporary weans from LVAD support out of three planned over the first six months post randomization. Results showed that the average proportion of successful temporary weans was 61 percent in the allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells group vs. 58 percent in the control group RR=1.08 (95 percent CI 0.83-1.41; p=0.55).

The authors add that in exploratory sub-group analysis, they found a "positive signal in ischemic heart failure," which moving forward, "may affect patient selection in future cardiac recovery trials." In addition, they found a "clinically meaningful decrease in rate of mucosal bleeding," which could potentially lead to a new therapeutic approach if validated in future trials.

Clinical Topics: Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Care Team, Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies, Cardiac Surgery and Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support

Keywords: AHA18, AHA Annual Scientific Sessions, Heart-Assist Devices, Myocardium, Mesenchymal Stem Cells

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