Requirements for standardizing the assessment of mesenchymal stem cell therapy and its effects on osteoarthritis

Abstract

Publications of Soufan et al and Kristjánsson et al in the World Journal of Orthopedics on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) represent a significant exploration of regenerative medicine’s potential in OA treatment. In their research, it is highlighted that MSCs can alleviate OA symptoms and even regenerate cartilage, potentially reversing the disease. They also compared the efficacy of three MSC subtypes, emphasizing the therapeutic advantages of adipose-derived MSCs. MSC injections, a novel and less invasive alternative to traditional treatments such as chondrocyte transplantation or arthroplasty, have a low cost, low risks, and favorable outcomes, presenting a promising approach for OA patients. Additionally, we stressed that the efficacy evaluation criteria, heterogeneity, safety, and other factors must be carefully considered to further advance the clinical translation of MSC therapy for OA.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis; Mesenchymal stem cell therapy; Assessment; Heterogeneity; Safety

Core Tip: Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has emerged as a promising strategy for osteoarthritis treatment due to its potential to promote cartilage regeneration, modulate inflammation, and improve joint function. Despite encouraging preliminary results, the clinical translation of this therapy is hindered by the absence of standardized evaluation criteria. Key challenges include inconsistent methods for assessing treatment efficacy, cell source heterogeneity, and concerns about tumorigenicity and biodistribution. Therefore, we proposed a set of factors and efficacy evaluation standards that should be considered in preclinical studies and MSC therapy.