Stem cell regenerative therapy in alveolar cleft reconstruction.

Achieving a successful and well-functioning reconstruction of craniofacial deformities still remains a challenge. As for now, autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard for alveolar cleft reconstruction. However, its aesthetic and functional results often remain unsatisfactory, which carries a long-term psychosocial and medical sequelae. Therefore, searching for novel therapeutic approaches is strongly indicated. With the recent advances in stem cell research, cell-based tissue engineering strategies move from the bench to the patients' bedside. Successful stem cell engineering employs a carefully selected stem cell source, a biodegradable scaffold with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, as well as an addition of growth factors or cytokines to enhance osteogenesis. This review highlights recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell tissue engineering, discusses animal models and case reports of stem cell enhanced bone regeneration, as well as ongoing clinical trials.