Meaningful pain reduction (≥20% improvement on 0–100 pain scale) is reported in 50–65% of treated patients in published series. Functional improvement (return to work, reduced medication) occurs in 40–55% of responders. Imaging evidence of disc hydration improvement is present in 30–50% but does not always correlate with pain relief, suggesting mechanisms beyond structural regeneration. Patients with non-radicular, axial low back pain respond more favourably than those with significant radiculopathy. Treatment failure (no change or worsening) occurs in 20–30%, with no current biomarkers predicting responders.
Published trials of intradiscal placental MSC injection demonstrate pain reduction (VAS or Oswestry scales) in 50–65% of participants over 6–12 months. Discography MRI findings show improved hydration signals in 30–50% of treated discs, interpreted as proteoglycan restoration, though correlation with pain outcomes is inconsistent. One phase II trial (67 patients) reported sustained pain relief at 24-month follow-up in 55% of injected discs. Exosome intra-discal delivery is emerging with small proof-of-concept studies showing reduced inflammatory biomarkers in disc fluid post-injection. Comparative data versus sham injection remain limited; most positive evidence derives from open-label or non-blinded designs.
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Medically reviewed by StemCellAtlas’s editorial team with Kiian Nadiia, MD, PhD (Paediatric Neurologist · Medical Director, CSM Clinic Network · 12+ yrs in Autism Spectrum Disorders) of partner clinic Stem Plus (Sofia), against ISSCR, FDA & EMA guidance. Educational information, not medical advice; figures indicative.
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