From the Guidelines
The main downsides of stem cell therapy for joint pain beyond cost include limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, inconsistent results between patients, and potential side effects. According to the 2019 consensus recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1, the clinical use of biologics such as stem cell therapy has outpaced the evidence, and there is a need for high-quality multicenter clinical trials to establish its effectiveness. Some potential side effects of stem cell therapy include temporary pain, swelling, or infection at the injection site, as well as more serious risks like immune reactions, formation of unwanted tissues, and in rare cases, tumor development from uncontrolled cell growth.
Key concerns with stem cell therapy for joint pain include:
- Limited standardization across providers, with variations in cell sources, processing methods, and injection techniques affecting outcomes
- Lack of insurance coverage due to its experimental status, resulting in out-of-pocket costs for patients
- Need for multiple treatments over time, as the therapy may not provide long-term relief
- Requirement for recovery time, typically 1-2 weeks of limited activity following injections
- Failure to address underlying joint mechanics or prevent further degeneration, potentially necessitating additional treatments or eventual joint replacement. As noted in the 2019 study 1, knee osteoarthritis is a serious condition associated with substantial and progressive morbidity, and stem cell therapy may not be a definitive solution for this condition.
From the Research
Downside of Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain
- The use of NSAIDs after stem cell injection can substantially reduce the therapeutic efficacy of cellular treatment 2
- Pretreatment with NSAIDs may have minimal effects on the therapeutic benefits of stem cell injections, but use of NSAIDs after injections can lead to worse osteoarthritis outcomes, including greater proteoglycan loss, surface roughness, osteophyte volume, and pain 2
- The long-term safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for joint pain are not yet fully understood and require further research 3, 4
- The quality control and teratoma formation assays are important procedures in assessing the properties of the stem cells tested, and derivation methods and the utilization of culturing media are crucial to set proper environmental conditions for controlled differentiation 5
- The translation of stem cell products from the laboratory to the market is conducted under highly defined regulations and directives provided by competent regulatory authorities, which can be a challenge for the widespread adoption of stem cell therapy 6