Stem cell therapy relieves pain from osteoarthritis

Since the end of 2019, AZ Jan Palfijn Gent has started stem cell infiltration for osteoarthritis. By injecting the body's own stem cells into a worn joint, the inflammatory processes are slowed down and new cartilage is formed. This new treatment for osteoarthritis ensures that we can significantly limit pain and wear and tear in osteoarthritis patients so that the joint can heal better.

Dr. Yves Depaepe, orthopedist at AZ Jan Palfijn Gent, provides explanations about this new stem cell therapy.

How exactly does this stem cell infiltration work?

Dr. Depaepe Knee osteoarthritis is associated with synovial inflammation, cartilage destruction and bone remodeling. With stem cell therapy we try to control the pain caused by inflammation, stop the progression of cartilage breakdown and thus improve joint function.

Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes. Stem cells stimulate vascularization, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and intervene in the regulation of inflammatory processes.

Classical liposuction of abdominal fat is performed using a standardized protocol to damage the stem cells as little as possible. The liposuction aspirate is washed several times in a centrifuge until a pure aspirate can finally be obtained, which is injected intra-articularly into the knee.

Why is belly fat used and what are the advantages compared to bone marrow cells?

Dr. Depaepe Stem cells from abdominal fat show a greater capacity for proliferation than other types of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells are very abundant in abdominal fat. There is simple pre-elevation compared to bone marrow cells because subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen is very easily accessible and causes much less donor site morbidity than bone marrow punctures.

For which patients is such therapy particularly beneficial?

Dr. Depaepe Patients between the ages of 40 and 70 with symptomatic osteoarthritis and radiological grade 2 and 3 osteoarthritis in particular benefit from stem cell therapy. Grade 4 cartilage disease (bone-on-bone contact), severe varus or valgus abnormalities, morbid obesity and co-morbidity of rheumatic disease in the knee are exclusion criteria.

What are the proven results of this form of stem cell infiltration for osteoarthritis patients?

Dr. Depaepe In the first studies, a clear improvement in pain scores and function scores is noticeable. There is also a clear reduction in the inflammatory response in osteoarthritis. This means a significant reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms. Some reports first report a reduction in chondrocyte apoptosis, but there is no proven evidence for the reduction of disease progression. To date, no side effects have been documented.

What is the cost of this treatment for the patient?

Dr. Depaepe The treatment is done as a day hospital. The surcharge for the patient varies between 250 and 300 euros.