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Evaluating the Current Literature on Treatments Containing Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis: a Progress Update

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (S Kolasinski, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent studies have investigated the effect of treatments containing adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on human osteoarthritis. These have mostly used biologic adjuvants which may influence results. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the current literature on these treatments when used in isolation.

Recent Findings

Five studies in this review used cultured ADMSCs, while four studies used stromal vascular fraction and three used micro-fragmented adipose tissue to deliver ADMSCs. No studies reported serious treatment-related adverse effects and all reported improvements in clinical measures for at least one dose. This was not necessarily reflected in imaging evaluations nor were improvements always maintained.

Summary

Current low-level evidence is limited due to variability in study methodology but indicates that treatments containing ADMSCs, when used in isolation, are safe and have the potential to reduce pain and improve function. Randomized controlled trials are now needed.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major Importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

    Chanuka D. S. Ranmuthu, Charindu K. I. Ranmuthu & Wasim S. Khan

  2. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK

    Wasim S. Khan

Authors
  1. Chanuka D. S. Ranmuthu
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  2. Charindu K. I. Ranmuthu
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Correspondence to Wasim S. Khan.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

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Ranmuthu, C.D.S., Ranmuthu, C.K.I. & Khan, W.S. Evaluating the Current Literature on Treatments Containing Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis: a Progress Update. Curr Rheumatol Rep 20, 67 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-018-0776-7

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