Knee osteoarthritis significantly improved by regenerative therapy

Independent analysis of all available data suggests we may be at a significant turning point in changing the treatment scenario for osteoarthritis

A detailed independent analysis of injective mesenchymal stem cell treatments paints a picture of an optimistic future where regenerative therapies may become the norm in the treatment of osteoarthritis around the world.

The new paper is partly funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2019). Written by Silvia Lopa, Alessandra Colombini, Matteo Moretti and Laura de Girolamo, the paper seeks to understand how mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) often referred to as ‘medicinal signalling cells’, which are easily harvested from a patient’s own fat, under mild sedation, work within the body.

The analysis looks at all major studies conducted with the largest study recording the results from 681 patients (840 individual knees) which showed that after 12 months overall pain had decreased and knee function had increased. The second largest study is recorded on 373 patients (424 individual knees) and shows decreased overall pain, increased overall knee function and significantly higher pain reduction in patients treated with BMAC (Bone Marrow Concentration) with high mononuclear cell content.

Silvia Lopa, lead researcher in the study, said; “We are convinced that MSCs will have an important role in the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis and that the research needs to continue to improve our knowledge.”

Osteoarthritis represents a relevant social and economic burden worldwide. It is the fourth cause of disability worldwide affecting GDP in developed countries. Current treatment plans include physiotherapy and exercise, escalating to analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections

The study points out that considerations must accommodate the type of patient, in terms of lifestyle, and separately how progressed their specific problem is. The other significant question is to identify whether stem cells taken from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), though non-invasive to harvest from fat are more or less effective than other types of stem cells. The study recommends consideration of the following:

• Standardisation of the amount of cells administered and techniques used

• Possible treatment pathways of one-step or two-step procedures to increase effectiveness

• The study points out that no harm is caused by the use of MSCs. It does not preclude any further treatments – i.e. if it does not work for you, it doesn’t stop you from trying other treatments and surgeries afterwards

The Regenerative Clinic leads the way in bringing the latest advances in orthobiologic medicine to patients in the UK. Simon Checkley, CEO, The Regenerative Clinic says; “We are absolutely committed to the ongoing documentation of MSC therapy. Anecdotally, we speak to patients whose lives have been transformed by this treatment every day. Our own patient record is growing exponentially.”

“We are proud to have created AMPP® as thrilling development to our treatment portfolio. AMPP® is a minimally invasive procedure and can be an alternative to major surgery even aiding post-surgery recovery. There are no major incisions or cuts. AMPP® can help if you have an injury or long-term condition that limits daily activity, or if you have pain or limited joint movement. We are finding that is particularly helpful for people with arthritis who may have already tried physiotherapy, NSAIDs or steroid injections as a powerful and minimally invasive alternative to pain relief.”

Evidence for the effectiveness of rejuvenating medicine is crucial in the development of these ground-breaking treatments. The Regenerative Clinic is operating a broad ranging patient pathway to evidence patient responses to Lipogems® treatment over 3 months, 6 months, one year, and two years and beyond. Operating a collaborative system where pain reduction, mobility and individual symptom improvements are categorically recorded is crucially important.

The Regenerative Clinic has launched a new treatment called Activated Mesenchymal Pericyte Plasma injections (AMPP®). AMPP® is a day case procedure performed in approximately one hour with minimal recovery time. The combined treatment is thought to increase the effectiveness of the process at a cellular level offering a bold treatment option for people with arthritis and other issues.

Sources:

Injective mesenchymal stem cell-based treatments for knee osteoarthritis: from mechanisms of action to current clinical evidences – Published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2019) – written by Silvia Lopa, Alessandra Colombini, Matteo Moretti and Laura de Girolamo

For further information, hi res images, interviews with Professor Adrian Wilson or Simon Checkley and case studies please contact Helen Trevorrow or Vicky Hague at Green Row on 07940009138 or email helen@greenrow.co.uk