Table of Contents
- What are Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
- Treatment for Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Surgery
- Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
- How Do ADSCs Work?
- Current Clinical Trials
- Who is Eligible for ADSC Treatment?
- Safety Considerations
What are Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADSCs), also known as AdSC-JU, are a type of stem cell therapy that uses cells from your own body fat[1][2]. These cells are special because they can develop into different types of tissues and have the potential to help repair and regenerate damaged areas in your body.
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Surgery
One promising application of ADSCs is in treating urinary incontinence in men who have undergone prostate surgery[1]. Urinary incontinence is when you can’t control your bladder, leading to accidental leakage of urine. This can be a distressing side effect of prostate surgery.
In this treatment:
- ADSCs are injected into the urethral sphincter, which is the muscle that controls urine flow
- The goal is to improve the strength and function of this muscle
- Researchers are studying if this can reduce urine leakage and improve quality of life for patients
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
Another potential use for ADSCs is in treating Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)[2]. DDD is a condition where the discs between your spine bones (vertebrae) wear down, causing pain and other symptoms.
In this application:
- ADSCs are injected directly into the affected spinal discs
- The hope is that these cells can help regenerate the disc tissue
- This could potentially reduce pain and improve disc health
How Do ADSCs Work?
ADSCs are believed to work in several ways[1][2]:
- They can develop into new, healthy tissue cells
- They release substances that promote healing and reduce inflammation
- They may stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms
Current Clinical Trials
Two clinical trials are currently studying the effectiveness of ADSCs:
1. For urinary incontinence after prostate surgery[1]:
- This is a phase I/II trial, which means it’s testing both safety and how well the treatment works
- It’s comparing ADSC injections to a placebo (a fake treatment)
- The main goals are to see if the treatment reduces urine leakage and if it’s safe
2. For degenerative disc disease[2]:
- This trial is also looking at both safety and effectiveness
- It’s comparing ADSC injections to a sham operation (a fake surgery)
- The main goal is to see if the treatment reduces back pain and improves disc health
Who is Eligible for ADSC Treatment?
Eligibility varies depending on the specific condition being treated. Here are some general guidelines:
For urinary incontinence treatment[1]:
- Men over 18 years old who have had prostate surgery
- Those with moderate urinary incontinence (using 100-400g of pads per day)
- Patients must have enough body fat for the stem cell collection
For degenerative disc disease treatment[2]:
- Adults aged 20-60 with lower back pain
- Those with moderate disc degeneration
- Patients who haven’t had success with other treatments
Safety Considerations
While ADSCs show promise, it’s important to note that these treatments are still experimental[1][2]. The clinical trials are carefully monitoring for any side effects or safety issues. Some potential risks might include:
- Infection at the injection site
- Allergic reactions
- Unexpected cell growth
It’s crucial to discuss all potential risks and benefits with your doctor before considering any experimental treatment.




