Tissue-cultured limbal stem cell allograft transplantation for regrowth of corneal epithelium

The procedure is used to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The limbus is the part of the eye where the cornea joins the sclera, and where the conjunctiva, which covers the sclera, ends. Undifferentiated epithelial cells are produced at the limbus and differentiate to become corneal epithelial cells. Failure of this process can result in a variety of serious and intractable disorders of the ocular surface, including loss of corneal transparency which impairs vision. Limbal stem cells may be damaged by various disease processes or chemical injury.

The aim of treatment is to restore a healthy conjunctival and corneal surface. Simple treatments include topical steroids, ocular lubricants, bandage contact lenses and autologous serum. Patients with more serious LSCD may require surgical procedures such as conjunctival and keratolimbal allografts, possibly followed by corneal grafts. For patients with unilateral LSCD, the use of limbal stem cells from the fellow eye may be enhanced by tissue culture prior to grafting.

Stem cells for allograft transplantation are harvested from the limbal corneal tissue of donor eyes (from either matched living relatives or cadaveric donors). The donor stem cells are obtained by excising a small area of the conjunctiva at the limbus, which is a minor procedure for the living donor. The tissue obtained is grown in culture and, once the cells have multiplied sufficiently, small sheets of cells, supported by an amniotic membrane or plastic, are transplanted onto the affected eye(s). The surgery is performed under local or general anaesthesia. A protective soft contact lens may be applied, and the eye is kept moist with artificial tears in the period immediately after surgery. The procedure can be repeated if necessary.

Systemic immunosuppressants are required to minimise the risk of graft rejection. The duration, type and dose of immunosuppressants vary and long-term use may be necessary.

Most studies reported efficacy outcomes relating to resolution of LSCD in terms of corneal re-epithelialisation and/or resolution of corneal vascularisation, corneal conjunctivilisation, inflammation/scarring, pain, photophobia and corneal opacity. Definitions of success varied between studies. Resolution of LSCD was achieved following tissue-cultured limbal stem cell transplantation in between 70% (7/10) and 100% (4/4, 7/7 and 13/13) of eyes.

In one case series, complete epithelialisation of the corneal surface was achieved in 80% (8/10) of eyes by the time the amniotic membrane had dispersed. In another series, corneal epithelialisation was achieved in 46% (6/13) of eyes at final follow-up (length of follow-up not stated). In a case series of 10 patients, corneal epithelialisation was incomplete; corneal epithelial defects (one of them persistent) were reported in 2 patients. In another case series of seven patients there were two transient epithelial defects which resolved after 2 to 3 weeks with topical antibiotic treatment.

The case series reported visual acuity following tissue-cultured limbal stem cell allograft transplantation in 40% (4/10), 77% (10/13) and 100% (7/7) of eyes, although concomitant surgery to improve vision was undertaken in some patients. For more details, refer to the 'Sources of evidence' section.

The Specialist Advisers stated that if the graft works well, the procedure is highly effective in producing visual benefit.

Bacterial infection following tissue-cultured limbal stem cell allograft transplantation occurred in 8% (1/13), 15% (2/13) and 25% (1/4) of eyes. In one case series, corneal perforation occurred in 31% (4/13) of eyes.

Post-procedural development of glaucoma requiring trabeculotomy was reported in 8% (1/13) of eyes in one case series (follow-up not stated). One case series of seven patients with between 6 and 20 months follow up reported no significant postoperative complications. For more details, refer to the 'Sources of evidence' section.

The Specialist Advisers stated that theoretical risks include transmission of infection by donor tissue and rejection of the graft. They also raised the theoretical possibility of subsequent limbal stem cell failure in the donor, requiring treatment at a later date.