Sanford Health opens study of cell injections for arthritis – Sanford Health News

Sanford Health is continuing to explore the potential of orthobiologics and regenerative medicine with a study that may advance treatment for those living with osteoarthritis.

This trial known as ENDURE, which is run in full compliance with the FDA, will examine the safety and effectiveness of adult, adipose (fat)-derived stem cells.

Im really excited to get the trial started, said Donella Herman, M.D., a specialist in sports medicine at Sanford Health. Im even more excited about a year from now because I feel like were just going to learn so much about how effective this treatment is and what it is effective for.

Learn more: Orthopedics regenerative medicine at Sanford Health

Essentially, orthobiologics and regenerative medicine tap into the bodys natural healing ability.

Orthobiologics, a part of regenerative medicine, refers to the use of biological substances found in the body to help treat muscle and bone issues.

This may include injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments and as the focus of this trial more chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

When used properly by qualified providers, cell therapies are proving to be effective treatment options.

Our goals are to collect data for the different branches of orthobiologics, Dr. Herman said. Do people with knee osteoarthritis respond better with PRP (platelet rich plasma) or bone-marrow derived cells or fat-derived stem cells? Which works best? Which works for the longest time? Thats the kind of information were looking for. Its that kind of ratio that we just dont have right now.

One of the obstacles in regenerative medicine at this point, Dr. Herman said, is that its often being marketed by people with dubious clinical qualifications. They use underdeveloped research and make unfounded claims.

Its become a little bit of a wild, wild west with stem cells and PRP, Dr. Herman said. There are pop-up shops all over the place. Its one thing to have access to these things and allow access to people, but if youre not doing that in a responsible way and using that opportunity to build on a knowledge base, its kind of smoke and mirrors.

In sharp contrast to that scenario, this trial aims to add to the bank of knowledge in regenerative medicine.

We know we can tell people what were putting in their knee or their hip or their shoulder because were testing, Dr. Herman said. A lot of other places theyre just injecting it. They dont know if the stem cells are viable or not.

A typical candidate for the study, as described by Dr. Herman, might have osteoarthritis in their wrist and would not want to sacrifice a loss of motion that could come with surgery. They also would likely have exhausted the steroid injections treatment options that offer temporary relief.

We think of regenerative medicine as a possible alternative therapy that may help people put off surgery, Dr. Herman said. I dont ever tell people it means you will never need surgery but what it does is hopefully buy a little time until youre ready for that. There are lots of times where well do steroid injections until those fail and then they have to get a new joint. Were hoping for this to give us a bridge.

Once a patient is approved to be part of the ENDURE study, the procedure includes:

Follow-ups are then completed in person and over the phone.

Qualified candidates must be 18 or older and:

The cost associated with the study is not currently covered by insurance. By enrolling in the ENDURE study, however, participants may be playing a role in advancing regenerative cell research that could have the potential to improve care for future generations.

Those interested in hearing more about possible eligibility in the study can call (605) 328-3700.

Posted In Innovations, Orthopedics, Research, Specialty Care, Sports Medicine

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Sanford Health opens study of cell injections for arthritis - Sanford Health News