Summary

INJECTABLE CELL-BASED THERAPY FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IMPROVED JOINT FUNCTION AT LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Aim

Cell-based Therapies are currently part of first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Intra-articular injection of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs) is one of the options. This study aims to present 6-year results and the safety profile of this treatment option.
Materials & Methods: Twenty patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence I-III) were treated with a single intra-articular injection of autologous culture-expanded adipose-derived MSCs. The patients were evaluated before the injection and in 3rd, 6th, 12th month and every year after the 1st post-treatment year. The final follow-up time point was 6th year. Four subscales (Pain, Symptoms, Activity in Daily Living and Quality of Life) of the KOOS questionnaire were used to quantify the results. Treatment-related complications were also recorded.

Results

The data analysis recorded a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in all the values at the final follow-up compared to the baseline. In particular, the KOOS subscales for Pain and Symptoms constantly increased between all the evaluation points. However, no statistical improvement was recorded in the 2nd and 3rd years after injection. Again, a statistically significant difference was found in the KOOS subscale of ADL from the 1st year after injection to the last evaluation. Finally, the subscale of QOL was found to be significantly higher at each evaluation point. No complications or adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Cell-Based Therapy using adipose-derived MSCs is a safe injectable treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, reduces pain levels, and improves joint function.
Keywords: Injectable Cell-Based Therapy, knee osteoarthritis, adipose-derived MSCs