Stem cells from umbilical cord blood tested to repair knee cartilage
NCT ID NCT01733186
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tested a stem cell product called CARTISTEM in 12 adults with knee cartilage defects. The stem cells, derived from human umbilical cord blood, were implanted into the knee to see if they could safely help repair damaged cartilage. The study measured knee function and pain over 12 to 24 months, aiming to find a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CARTISTEM)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a treatment that repairs knee cartilage without major surgery, potentially delaying or avoiding knee replacement.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (12 people) focused on safety. It may not work in larger groups, and long-term benefits or risks are unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cartilage Repair Center; Brigham and Women's Hospital
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02467, United States
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Cartilage Restoration Center; RUSH University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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