The New Perspectives Journal of Medicine

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) accounts for approximately 30% of epilepsy cases and is characterized by seizures that cannot be controlled with two or more antiepileptic drugs.The prevalence is estimated to be 5 to 10 cases per 1,000 people.Traditional treatments, such as surgical resection and neuromodulation techniques, are effective in some patients but have limited applicability and inconsistent outcomes.In recent years, stem cell therapy has emerged as a research focus due to its potential to repair neural networks, secrete neurotrophic factors, and regulate inflammation.Animal model studies have shown that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can reduce seizure frequency by 50-80% and improve cognitive function.However, stem cell therapy still faces challenges, including the selection of cell sources, post-transplantation survival and functional integration, and long-term safety.With advancements in technology and interdisciplinary collaboration, stem cell therapy holds promise as a significant therapeutic option for DRE, offering new hope for patients.