Low-dose mesenchymal stem cell therapy for discogenic pain: safety and efficacy results from a 1-year feasibility study

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. Plain language summary This feasibility study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low dose autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) for treatment of disc degeneration resulting in low back pain (LBP) in 9 participants. 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 reduced analgesic medication. Quality of life improvements were also observed. Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence of safety and efficacy of ADMSCs for discogenic LBP.