KEM study to test disputed efficacy of stem cell therapy

City doctors have decided to help patients who want to undergo stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis or knee degeneration, but are skeptical about its success. Priyanka Vora reports.

City doctors have decided to help patients who want to undergo stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis or knee degeneration, but are skeptical about its success.

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A six-member team from KEM hospital has initiated a two-year blind study to determine the effectiveness of stem cells therapy in these patients.

“An increasing number of patients are looking at stem cell therapy. Such therapies are being marketed as a magic cure for various medical conditions,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, principal investigator and head of the orthopaedic department at KEM hospital. “But, there is no specific data on whether these therapies help patients.”

In a blind study, only the doctor and the patient know whether a conventional or a new treatment is being used. The teams that will assess the results will be unaware of the nature of the treatment.

In the study, 30 patients will be given a one-time dose of stem cells, while 30 others will be given the traditional therapy of an injection of lubricants in their knees.

If the study proves the efficacy of such therapies, patients could skip complex surgeries.