Stem Cell Research: Combining PRP & Stem Cells

Combining PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and Stem Cell Therapy is creating exciting possibilities in regenerative medicine. Especially for conditions like knee osteoarthritis and tendon injuries, the research is promising! Here’s a breakdown of the latest studies since 2019 that highlight the potential of these treatments.

If you’re thinking about getting Stem Cell Therapy, our article on picking the right clinic might be helpful. Or set up a conversation with our team here. Our team can guide you in deciding if it’s the right fit, help you choose the best clinic & region, and even assist you in securing some great discounts!

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA)

Study Overview:
A meta-analysis reviewed six randomized controlled trials involving 493 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). These patients were treated with a combination of MSCs and PRP, or either treatment alone, and were followed up for a year.

Results:

• At 3 months, the combination therapy didn’t show much improvement in pain (measured by VAS scores) compared to PRP or MSCs alone.
• At 6 and 12 months, the combined treatment significantly reduced pain and improved joint function compared to the other treatments.

This study suggests that the combination of PRP and MSCs works better over time, particularly for pain management and joint repair​(BMJ Open)

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and PRP for Joint Repair

Study Overview:
This study looked at 12 patients with degenerative joint conditions treated with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and PRP. The goal was to see how well this combination could repair joint damage and reduce inflammation.

Results:

• Patients saw significant pain relief and joint function improvements over 12 months.

The positive effects lasted for up to 2 years, with most patients reporting improved mobility and reduced pain​(PLOS)

PRP as a Scaffold for MSCs in Cartilage Regeneration

Study Size: This study focused on 15 patients with cartilage damage, exploring how PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) could aid in cartilage regeneration. Researchers wanted to determine if PRP could serve as a supportive scaffold to enhance the regenerative effects of MSCs.

Results:

• The statement about significant improvements in pain and joint function by 6 months is consistent with findings from several studies, as PRP can enhance the regenerative effects of MSCs.
• Cartilage volume on MRI improvements have been reported in some studies, but this is not always guaranteed across all patient groups or studies.

Effectiveness: PRP does indeed act as a scaffold, supporting the growth and function of MSCs, promoting cartilage repair, and reducing pain, which has been demonstrated in several clinical and preclinical studies. ​(SpringerLink)​

Limitations

While combining PRP and Stem Cell Therapy shows promise, there are some limitations to consider:

Lack of Standardization: There is no standardized protocol for combining PRP with stem cell therapy, which makes it difficult to compare results across different studies. Variations in treatment methods can impact effectiveness.

Small Sample Sizes: Most of the studies, including those involving 12 to 15 patients, had relatively small participant groups. Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and understand the broader effectiveness of the treatments.

Short Follow-Up Periods: Although some patients experienced benefits for up to 2 years, many studies only monitored outcomes for 6 to 12 months. We still don’t have enough data on the long-term effects of combining PRP with stem cell therapy.

Variability in Results: Not all patients experienced the same level of improvement in cartilage volume or pain relief, suggesting that individual responses to treatment can vary. Factors like the type of stem cells used, PRP concentration, and patient health may influence outcomes.

Conclusion

Combining PRP and Stem Cell Therapy has shown promising results, especially for joint conditions like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. These treatments offer hope for long-term pain relief and improved function, particularly at the 6- and 12-month marks. While the results are exciting, further studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits and refine these therapies.