Current State for Clinical Use of Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on pain, function and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis patients: a before-and-after study and review of the literature

“…Several case reports and comparative studies have reported improvements on sign and symptoms by pain scores, radiographic and histological evaluation without systemic side effects. 21 There is new interest in this new treatment option, reflected by many ongoing trials in the last decade. Most of trials are open-label, with focus on knee OA.…”

“…In the last decade, the use of new active molecules or biological compounds for the management of orthopedic disorders involving tendons, ligaments, bone and cartilage has increased exponentially and significantly. 21 In particular, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells have gained attention and popularity because of its potential properties for healing and modulation of pain and inflammation. 21 PRP has become an increasingly used treatment in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, although its primary applications began in cardiovascular and maxillofacial specialties.…”

“…21 In particular, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells have gained attention and popularity because of its potential properties for healing and modulation of pain and inflammation. 21 PRP has become an increasingly used treatment in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, although its primary applications began in cardiovascular and maxillofacial specialties. 14,16,22 PRP is autologous plasma that after activation by exogenous agents, releases mediators (cytokines) and growth factors that increase the healing of different tissues such as ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones.…”

Ethics, Evidence Based Sports Medicine, and the Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in the English Premier League

“…Finally, a more recent large-scale literature review of nearly 100 PRP studies, published in 2016, supports the above picture, concluding that: …the basic principles, mechanism of action and cellular pathways of PRP and intra-articular MSCs in clinical use needs to be better understood… To address this deficiency, more collaborative randomized controlled studies are needed aimed at standardization of cell or PRP preparation, validated outcome scores and prolonged patient follow-up, with continued study of the mechanism at the basic science level [ 65 : 95] It seems safe, therefore, to conclude from the literature that little significant progress has been made in PRP efficacy research that might support its users who are committed to evidence-based sport and exercise medicine.…”

“……the basic principles, mechanism of action and cellular pathways of PRP and intra-articular MSCs in clinical use needs to be better understood… To address this deficiency, more collaborative randomized controlled studies are needed aimed at standardization of cell or PRP preparation, validated outcome scores and prolonged patient follow-up, with continued study of the mechanism at the basic science level [ 65 : 95]…”