Outcome of childhood leukaemia survivors and necrosis of the femoral head treated with autologous mesenchymal stem cells

Corticoid-induced osteonecrosis (ON) of femoral head can lead to severe hip joint impairment and hip replacement, with negative impact in young survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with long life expectancy. We aim to improve quality of life in these patients with a novel approach. Based on the regenerative capacities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we performed locally implanted autologous cell therapy in two adolescents suffering of bilateral femoral ON. This required a simple, minimally invasive surgical procedure. Both patients experienced significant pain relief and restoration of gait kinematic values. Radiographic evaluation showed cessation of hip collapse. No toxicities/complications were observed after a 4-year follow-up. Our preliminary results suggest that autologous MSCs can be considered as a novel treatment for children and young adults with ON after overcoming ALL. It may avoid hip replacement and improve quality of life of leukaemia survivors.