DESCRIPTION
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capability to differentiate into a variety of tissue types, including various musculoskeletal tissues. MSCs are associated with the blood vessels within bone marrow, synovium, fat, and muscle, where they can be mobilized for endogenous repair. Tissue such as muscle, cartilage, tendon, ligaments, and vertebral discs show limited capacity for endogenous repair; therefore, tissue engineering techniques are being developed to improve the efficiency of repair or regeneration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues. Tissue engineering focuses on the integration of biomaterials with MSCs and/or bioactive molecules such as growth factors. It is believed that the success of tissue engineering with MSCs will also require an appropriate 3-dimensional scaffold or matrix, culture conditions for tissue-specific induction, and implantation techniques that provide appropriate biomechanical support and stimulation.
Harvesting MSCs from bone marrow requires a procedure that may result in donor-site morbidity. In addition, the number of MSCs in bone marrow is low, and the number and differentiation capacity of bone marrow derived MSCs decreases with age, limiting their efficiency when isolated from older individuals.
POLICY
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for all orthopedic applications, including use in repair or regeneration of musculoskeletal tissue is considered investigational.
Allograft bone products containing viable stem cells, including but not limited to demineralized bone matrix (DBM) with stem cells (e.g., AlloStem®, Map3®, Osteocel Plus®, Trinity Evolution Matrix® [Orthofix]) for all orthopedic applications is considered investigational.
Allograft or synthetic bone graft substitutes that must be combined with autologous blood or bone marrow (e.g., Fusion Flex™, Ignite®, Vitoss®, CopiOs®, DBX®, Integra MOZAIK™, Formagraft™ Collagen) for all orthopedic applications are considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan or government program (e.g., TennCare), the express terms of the health plan or government program will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This technology continues in the early stages of development. There remains a lack of evidence to determine if clinical outcomes are improved. The small randomized and nonrandomized comparative trials provide insufficient evidence to evaluate the effect on health outcomes.
SOURCES
Akgun, I., Unlu, M., Erdal, O., Ogut, T., Erturk, M., Ovali, E., et al. (2015). Matrix-induced autologous mesenchymal stem cell implantation versus matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation in the treatment of chondral defects of the knee: a 2-year randomized study. Archives of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, 135 (2), 251-263. Abstract retrieved January 18, 2017 from PubMed database.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Management of glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Retrieved August 30, 2021 from https://www.aaos.org.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2014). Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 16: Bone graft extenders and substitutes as an adjunct for lumbar fusion. Retrieved October 18, 2018 from Journal of Neurosurgery Spine, 21 (1), 106-132.
American College of Rheumatology. (2019). 2019 American college of rheumatology/arthritis foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Retrieved August 30, 2021 from https://www.rheumatology.org.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (2:2023). Orthopedic applications of stem-cell therapy (including allografts and bone substitutes used with autologous bone marrow) (8.01.52). Retrieved November 14, 2023 from www.bcbsaoca.com/eps/. (29 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Borakati, A., Mafi, R., Mafi, P., & Khan, W.S. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cartilage repair. Current Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 13 (3), 215-225. Abstract retrieved October 18, 2018 from PubMed database.
Goldberg, A., Mitchell, K., Soans, J., Kim, L., & Zaidi, R. (2017). The use of mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair and regeneration: a systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 12 (1), 39. (Level 1 evidence)
Pak, J., Lee, J., Park, K., Park, M., Lang, L., & Lee, S. (2017). Current use of autologous adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction cells for orthopedic applications. Journal of Biomedical Science, 24 (9). (Level 2 evidence)
Park, Y.B., Ha, C.W., Rhim, J.H., & Lee, H.J. (2018). Stem cell therapy for articular cartilage repair: Review of the entity of cell populations used and the clinical application of each entity. Journal of Sports Medicine, 46 (10), 2540-2552. Abstract retrieved October 31, 2019 from PubMed database.
Shapiro, S.A., Kazmerchak, S.E., Heckman, M.G., Zubair, A.C., & O’Connor, M.I. (2017). A prospective, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial of bone marrow aspirate concentrate for knee osteoarthritis. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45 (1), 82-90. Abstract retrieved October 18, 2018 from PubMed database.
Vega, A., Martin-Ferrero, M., Del Canto, F., Alberca, M., Garcia, V., Munar, A., et al. (2015). Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a randomized controlled trial. Transplantation, 99 (8), 1681-1690. Abstract retrieved January 18, 2017 from PubMed database.
Wiggers, T. G., Winters, M., Van den Boom, N. A., Haisma, H. J., & Moen, M. H. (2021). Autologous stem cell therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55 (20), 1161–1169, doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103671. (Level 1 evidence)
Winifred S. Hayes, Inc. Medical Technology Directory. (2018, July; last search update August 2022). Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from www.Hayesinc.com/subscribers. (60 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/12/2013
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 1/11/2024
ID_BA
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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