Level A· Stronger Clinical EvidenceSystematic Review

A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for disc degeneration: insights and future directions for regenerative therapeutics.

Yim RL., Lee JT., Bow CH., Meij B., Leung V., Cheung KM.

Systematic Review on Back Pain, Disc Degeneration, published in Stem Cells Dev (2014) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type: Systematic Review
Journal: Stem Cells Dev (2014)
Country: United States
Reported sample size: —
PMID: 25050446
DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0203

Abstract (original English)

Intervertebral disc degeneration is associated with low-back pain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to "regenerate" the disc. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of comparative controlled studies that have assessed the safety and efficacy of using MSCs for disc regeneration. Literature databases were extensively searched. Trial design, subject-type, MSC sources, injection method, disc assessment, outcome intervals, and complication events were assessed. Validity of each study was performed. Twenty-four animal studies were included with 20.8% of the studies reporting randomization of groups. Trials in humans fulfilling inclusion criteria were not noted. The studies represented 862 discs that were injected with MSCs and 1,603 discs as controls. All three types of MSCs (ie, bone marrow, synovial, and adipose tissues) showed successful inhibition of disc degeneration. Bone-marrow-derived MSCs demonstrated superior quality of repair compared with other non-MSC treatments. A 2.7% overall complication rate was noted, whereby complications were noted only in rabbits. Overall, evidence suggested that MSCs increased disc space height in the majority of animal models. This is the first systematic review to assess the safety and efficacy of MSCs for the treatment of disc degeneration. Short-term MSC transplantation is safe and effective; however, additional

What this study does not prove

• This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.

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.

How we grade evidence

AnimalsForecastingHumansIntervertebral Disc DegenerationMesenchymal Stem Cell TransplantationRegenerationRegenerative MedicineTreatment Outcome

Back & Spine Back Pain Disc Degeneration

View on PubMed DOI

A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for disc degeneration: insights and future directions for regenerative therapeutics.

Abstract (original English)

What this study does not prove

Evidence level

Related research

Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guidelines for Regenerative Therapies in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: 2025 Update from the American Society Of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Stem cells and discogenic back pain.

Potential Role for Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy as a Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

Responsible, Safe, and Effective Use of Biologics in the Management of Low Back Pain: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) Guidelines.

Safety and Feasibility of Intradiscal Administration of Matrilin-3-Primed Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Spheroids for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: Phase 1 Clinical Trial.