Bridging the gap: clinical translation of adipose-derived stem cells - a scoping review of clinical trials.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine due to their multipotency, immunomodulatory properties, and ease of procurement. Despite extensive preclinical research, the clinical translation of ADSCs remains fragmented, with challenges in standardization, reproducibility, and evidence synthesis. Objective This scoping review, complemented by bibliometric analysis, aims to map the landscape of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ADSC therapies, identify gaps between basic research and clinical translation, and highlight emerging trends in the field. Methods A systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, EudraCT, and ChiCTR database (2009-2025) identified 82 RCTs. Bibliometric analysis of preclinical studies was conducted using VoSviewer to visualize keyword clusters and temporal trends. Data on trial characteristics, endpoints, and translational challenges were extracted and synthesized. Results The 82 included RCTs spanned 17 medical specialties, with orthopedics (26.8%), dermatology (14.6%), and neurology (9.7%) being the most studied. Spain (21.95%) and China (18.29%) and the USA (15.85%) led trial numbers, but 97% were single-country studies with a median sample size of 40. Primary endpoints trends from safety to efficacy. Bibliometric analysis revealed three cluster

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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