Stem Cell Clinical Trials for Knees 2019 - Updates and Outcomes

Stem cell therapy has gained popularity as a promising treatment option for conditions where the current medical treatment protocols have been exhausted. However, there is also a lot of confusion due to the overwhelming mixing of credible scientific information and marketing hypes available on the internet.

stem cell clinical trials 2019
Due to the fast-changing pace of research and technology, new evidence accumulates rapidly and clinical guidelines need to be periodically updated.

If you are new to stem cells, check out stem cell basics.

We have compiled and summarised essential information below in layman's terms so that you can understand and make a better informed decision.


Trying to keep up with the latest stem cell therapy evidence?

This page contains information and links to list of stem cell therapy and clinical trials in various categories. This list is a work-in-progress list as new evidence might be added from time to time.


Stem Cell Clinical Trials for Knees 2019 

Some doctors and media channels argue that there is very little evidence to support the use of stem cells to treat orthopaedic conditions. However, there are more than 200 studies related to the use of stem cells in treating orthopaedic conditions. 

Here, we have compiled and updated a few significant studies and related review to stem cell therapy for knee pain.

Dec 2019 - A related review - Allogeneic Versus Autologous Injectable Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA): Review and Current Status. The review and analysis concluded that MSC therapies in the treatment of knee OA are safe and have shown promising results but the available studies are limited. At this time, no definitive recommendations can be made regarding which MSC source to use. Allogeneic (source from different individuals) MSCs offer theoretical advantages over autologous (source from self) MSCs, especially in ease of use and consistency of product, but there are concerns regarding cell viability and vitality, as well as the body's response to non-autologous products. Future clinical trials should focus on head-to-head comparisons of MSC sources as well as the use of multiple injections for patients with knee OA.

In 2016, a 9 year follow up study of 2,372 patients in 18 clinical facilities was published by Centeno et al. Treated areas of the body included the knee, hip, ankle/foot, hand/wrist, elbow, shoulder, and spine. There was no evidence to suggest that treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of any type in this study increased the risk of cancer.

In 2016, a study on knee osteoarthritis has shown a 25 million of adult human bone marrow, allogeneic (source from different individuals) mesenchymal stromal cells to be the most effective dose tested for knee joint pain reduction.

Another clinical study published in 2015, showed allogeneic (source from different individuals) MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) improved cartilage quality. The test group was treated with 40 million cells of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by injection into the knees.

In 2013, a team led by Dr Saw from Malaysia published a controlled study of 50 patients with knee pain treated with autologous (source from self) peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) sowed better improvement as compared to the group without stem cells.

Currently recruiting new patients:
  1. Clinical Study of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSC) for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis - Shangdong, China
  2. Treatment of Early Knee Osteoarthritis With Autologous Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells - Shangdong, China
Conclusion

Several other comparative studies have demonstrated good evidence in the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, there are several approaches and cell lines used. More well-designed and randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate the best approach and universal consensus. As studies continue, the methods, forms and combinations of stem cell preparations are improving, and outcomes are expected to improve as well.

Related: Stem Cell Therapy for Knees in Malaysia


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