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.