Low-dose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Discogenic Pain: Safety and Efficacy Results From a 1-year Feasibility Study
D. Bates, David Vivian, Julien Freitag, James Wickham, B. Mitchell, Paul Verrills, Kiran Shah, Richard L. Boyd, Dean Federman, Adele Barnard, Lera O’Connor, Jacqui F Young
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate safety and efficacy of low dose autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) for treatment of disc degeneration resulting in low back pain (LBP). Methods: Nine participants with chronic LBP originating from single-level lumbar disc disease underwent intradiscal injection of 10 million ADMSCs with optional repetition after 6 months. Results: No unexpected or serious adverse events were recorded. Seven (78%) of participants reported reductions in pain 12 months after treatment. Five (56%) reported increased work capacity. Three (33%) reduced analgesic medication. Improvements in EQ-5D and Oswestry disability index results were observed. MRI demonstrated no further disc degeneration and improvements to annular fissures and disc protrusions. Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence of safety and efficacy of ADMSCs for discogenic LBP.