Mesenchymal Cell Therapy

What are mesenchymal cells?

Mesenchymal cells are perhaps Nature’s best-kept secret. These cells, which are found in multicellular organisms, such as humans, not only have the ability to divide (mitosis) but also to form various structures such as cartilage, bone, and many more. The process is called ‘differentiation’.

Different types of mesenchymal cells

There are two basic forms of mesenchymal cell – the embryonic stem cell and adult stem cell. Adult mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs are of great interest to researchers, scientists, and surgeons alike. MSCs are free of the controversy that surrounds embryonic stem cells and yet have the potential to form new tissues. At the clinic, we use the MSCs. This gives us the ability to repair and regenerate tissues such as cartilage and bone more effectively.

MSCs can be found at various locations in the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat) and peripheral blood. We favour the use of marrow-based or peripheral blood stem cells.

Where can mesenchymal cells be used?

By their very nature, stem cells can be used in a variety of different situations to help in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and structures. In joint preservation, one role of stem cells is in the possible treatment of arthritis of the knee joint. This can potentially be accomplished by regeneration of cartilage (gristle). In simple terms, the gristle on the joint surface is the barrier to arthritis. Once this layer is damaged, the joint is likely to progress to frank arthritis, which presents as pain, stiffness and loss of function. Mesenchymal cell therapy may be used in an attempt to encourage the regeneration of this gristle layer. The procedure is designed to help preserve the natural surface of knee joints and perhaps to delay or prevent the need for more major operations such as replacement of the knee joint.

Another area of particular interest for mesenchymal cell therapy in the knee is to help with the regeneration of dead bone. In a condition called avascular necrosis, or AVN, there is the death of a segment of the bone near the joint. This can sometimes progress onwards to become severe arthritis. Early reports of the use of mesenchymal cells to regenerate bone in AVN are encouraging.

There are many other reasons why mesenchymal cells might be used. These techniques may be relevant to different patients and are employed as required.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is in the form of arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) of the knee. Patients often ask whether stem cell therapy involves surgery on two separate occasions. For the techniques that we use, only a single operation is normally required. This is normally carried out as day-case procedure for knee arthroscopy. Once the patient is under general anaesthesia, an aspirate of their blood and/or marrow is taken with a special needle. The aspirate is then processed in the operating theatre, and while the patient is still asleep, in order to harvest the stem cells. At the same time the keyhole operation (arthroscopy) is commenced to access the knee joint. The surgeon uses specialist arthroscopy techniques to prepare the tissue bed so that it is ready to receive the stem cells. The harvested mesenchymal cells, alongside a suitable scaffold, are then injected through the same keyholes that are routinely used for the arthroscopy.

Are there any side effects?

Any surgical intervention carries a degree of risk however the surgical procedures used for mesenchymal cell therapy are the same as those for routine knee arthroscopy operations. There is a theoretical risk of infection, but this is low and surgery is in any event covered by antibiotic treatment. As for the stem cells, these are derived from the patient’s own blood or marrow, so there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission.

What is the evidence?

Mesenchymal cell therapy is a relatively new procedure. However, it has created so much interest worldwide that extensive research has been taking place in this field. Animal and human studies have been published that have suggested a safe and favourable response to stem cell therapy in hips, knees, and even ankles.

Our practice routinely collects data on almost all patients who undergo surgical treatment under our care; assessment questionnaires are periodically sent to those who have undergone surgery. This is an invaluable source of information that helps us to inform our patients, publish in the literature, and to train others who are interested in the techniques we undertake.

Next Steps

What to do if you think you may benefit from stem cell therapy 

Insured Patients

Simply visit your GP and ask them to refer you to Mr Fahad Attar, who is based at the BMI Alexandra. Your GP will write a letter of referral and then either you or your GP can contact us to arrange your first outpatient appointment on 0161 393 3996 or you can ask your GP to fax the referral letter to us on ???

Self-Pay Patients

For most self-pay treatments, you’ll need a GP referral letter to bring to your first appointment. Simply call us on 0161 393 3996 to request a guide price or to discuss your personal situation