Stem cell therapy for degenerative disc disease: A systematic review of preclinical evidence, clinical translation, and future directions

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• 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 Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a leading contributor to chronic low back pain and global disability. Existing therapies, from conservative management to spinal fusion, do not reverse the underlying molecular degeneration, leaving a critical treatment gap. Given its regenerative capabilities the advent of stem-cell therapy may constitute an ideal solution to fulfill such a therapeutic gap. Methods This PRISMA-compliant systematic review evaluates stem cell-based strategies for intervertebral disc regeneration by examining preclinical evidence, clinical translation, and future directions. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and related databases (from January 2000-May 2025) identified studies reporting on pain (Visual Analogue Scale), function (Oswestry Disability Index), and structural outcomes (MRI). Results Preclinical models uniformly demonstrate meaningful regeneration, including restoration of disc height and extracellular matrix. Clinical evidence, however, is limited: thirteen low to moderate-quality trials show modest, albeit statistically significant, improvements in pain and disability, without compelling imaging proof of biological repair. Short to mid-term safety appears acceptable. Conclusions The use of stem-cell therapy for treatment of degenerative disc disease is constrained by the somewhat hostile and avascular microenvironment of the int

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.