Patient perspectives on use of stem cells to treat osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease leading to increased risk of fragility fractures. These fractures lead to significant patient morbidity, increased mortality and substantial health and social care costs. The use of stem cells for cell-based therapies is currently an exciting, promising and growing area for disease treatment and regenerative medicine. However, the attitudes of participants towards the use of stem cells for regenerative medicine applications, particularly for therapeutic interventions amongst the older population, have not been well explored.This study explored patient perceptions of a proposed new treatment utilising a novel orthobiologic stem cell therapy. An online questionnaire for participants affected by osteoporosis was designed using the ‘Bristol Online Survey’ tool. In addition, three focus groups were held to explore a number of the issues raised by the findings in more depth.Findings showed that acceptability for the new treatment was high, as current treatments were variable in their effectiveness and new treatments were keenly welcomed. Participants indicated a willingness to have the proposed treatment in order to reduce their chance of experiencing a fracture, regardless of whether the treatment would reduce existing pain, or improve existing quality of life. The use of both autologous and allogeneic stem cells was acceptable, with slight differences in opinion indicating reservations regarding the potentially painful nature of stem cell extraction and allogeneic stem cell rejection. The findings demonstrated a clear mandate to the research team (and community) to continue their efforts in developing stem cell-based treatments for bone repair applications.

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ORCID for Dawn-Marie Walker: orcid.org/0000-0003-2135-1363

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